Kuro Mugｃup

This new black mug is by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a modern spirit. It is crafted using the Kuro-Bizen (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor, Jun Isezaki, resulting in a beautiful black color that is deeply lustrous yet possesses a gentle warmth. The piece is made using black clay from Osafune Isokami, which is dissolved and applied to the surface to bring out the black color; because this slip is painted on, the shade of black changes exquisitely depending on the intensity of the flame. This particular work features a smooth, lustrous sheen across the entire black surface, allowing one to enjoy a deep glow while its soft texture provides a comfortable feel. The design is simple yet sophisticated, true to Akitani's style, with thoughtful details throughout, such as the thin rim and the four-sided handle. Paper box
Diameter (including handle) 10.3cm × Diameter 7.8cm × Height 8.6cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. He began his apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after ten years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln firing in 2009. He has been selected for exhibitions such as the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association’s Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Prefectural Exhibition Award and the Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.