Kuro Cofeecup ＆ Saucer

This new black cup and saucer is by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates pieces brimming with unique originality while embracing a fresh spirit. It is crafted using the Kuro-Bizen (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor, Jun Isezaki; the color is a magnificent black that possesses both a deep luster and a warm tone. It is made using black clay from Osafune Isogami, which is dissolved and applied to the surface to develop the black color, and because it is a slip-applied clay, the exact hue of black shifts exquisitely depending on the firing conditions. This piece features a smooth gloss across the entire black surface, allowing you to enjoy the deep sheen while experiencing a soft texture that feels comfortable in the hand. The sophisticated design, characteristic of Akitani, is incredibly stylish; rather than relying on complex ornamentation, he has employed a simple design that highlights the beauty of the silhouette and lines, effectively utilizing the chic, modern nature of the black aesthetic. Paper box
Cup: Diameter 11.5cm × 8.8cm × Height 6.7cm
Saucer: Diameter 12.7cm × 12.7cm × Height 1.1cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. He began studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after a 10-year apprenticeship, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's "Chanoyu Molding Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Award.