Hikidashiguro Yunomi

This is a hikidashi-guro (drawn-black) tea cup by Masao Akitani, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality amidst a fresh spirit. Its charm lies in the mystical appearance captured through the hikidashi-guro technique—the hallmark of the Isezaki school—which preserves the essence of the super-high-temperature kiln environment that remains inaccessible to humans. Because the piece is intentionally placed in front of the flame to achieve the hikidashi effect, the black clay applied to the surface is washed away by a heavy coating of sesame ash; the piece is then drawn out and rapidly cooled, resulting in a unique landscape where black, blue, and amber tones intermingle. The front of the piece, in particular, features a vibrant blue known as "yohen-ao," creating a stunning contrast with the black and the dark green of the natural glaze. The interior also retains natural glaze that has hardened like amber, making this a tea cup that offers a truly luxurious visual experience. Signed wooden box to be provided later (please allow some time for shipping)
Diameter 8.0cm x 7.8cm x Height 8.9cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after a ten-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 Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.