{"product_id":"p7404","title":"Black cup \u0026 saucer","description":"These are brand-new black cup and saucer pieces, fresh from the kiln of Masao Akiya, who studied under the fifth Bizen ware Living National Treasure, Jun Isezaki, and creates highly original works with a fresh sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\nThese are the latest works, just removed from the kiln in June 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCrafted using the Kuro-Bizen (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor Jun Isezaki, the black color possesses a deep luster while maintaining a wonderfully warm tone.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist applies a special clay collected in the Osafune area near Bizen City, enhanced with a small amount of cobalt, to the surface of the work to create a stylish, deep black texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the appeals of black pieces is the \"blue kiln change\" (ao-yohen), which occurs when cobalt reacts with natural ash glaze; this piece features this striking effect on the front of the cup, creating an incredibly impactful appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAkiya's signature sophisticated design is exceptionally elegant. Rather than relying on complex ornamentation, the pieces are designed with a focus on simple silhouettes and beautiful lines to highlight the chic, modern nature of his black work.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nCup: 11.0 cm (including handle) x 8.6 cm diameter x 6.2 cm height\u003cbr\u003e\nSaucer: 12.2 cm x 12.2 cm diameter x 1.3 cm height\n\nMasao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe held his first kiln opening in 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art \"The Form of Tea\" 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.","brand":"秋谷昌央","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618319421537,"sku":"7404","price":8800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7404.jpg?v=1790235000","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7404","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}