Bizen Kuro Beerglass

This black beer tumbler is the work of Masao Akiya, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with a unique originality amidst a new spirit. It is crafted using the black Bizen technique inherited from his mentor, Jun Isezaki, resulting in a black hue that is wonderfully captivating—both deeply glossy and warm. It is made using black clay from Osafune Isogami, famous for sword making, which is dissolved and applied to the surface to create a beautiful black skin. The piece was fired upside down; the base features vibrant *tobigoma* (splashed sesame glaze), while the interior showcases a solid crimson scarlet achieved through *hidasuki* (fire-cord) patterning, creating a stunning contrast with the black exterior. (Note: The indentation on the rim is a design element, not a flaw.) Paper box
Diameter 8.2cm x 8.1cm x Height 11.3cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. In 1998, he began an apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki. After ten years of training, he established his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008, holding his first kiln opening in 2009. He has had works selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's Tea Ceremony Molding Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and Encouragement Award.