{"product_id":"p7470","title":"Black cup and saucer","description":"This is a new black cup and saucer by Masao Akiya, an artist who trained under the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, Jun Isezaki, and creates highly original works with a fresh sensibility.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is the latest piece, just taken from the kiln in June 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCrafted using the black Bizen technique inherited from his mentor Jun Isezaki, the piece features a remarkably beautiful black finish that is deeply lustrous yet warm in tone.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA small amount of cobalt is added to a special clay harvested near Osafune, close to Bizen City, and applied to the surface of the work to create a stylish, deep black texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the charms of black Bizen works is the \"blue kiln change\" (ao-yohen), which occurs when the cobalt reacts with the natural ash glaze. This piece features a striking blue kiln change on the front of the cup, creating an incredibly impactful appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sophisticated design, characteristic of Akiya’s work, is very stylish. Rather than relying on complex ornamentation, the piece is designed with simplicity to highlight the beauty of its silhouette and lines, effectively showcasing the chic and modern nature of the black finish.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nCup: 11.1cm diameter including handle × 8.6cm × 6.1cm height\u003cbr\u003e\nSaucer: 12.2cm × 12.1cm diameter × 1.5cm 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 established 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\nHe has been selected for exhibitions such as the Tanabe Museum of Art’s \"Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition\" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Prize.","brand":"秋谷昌央","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618319487073,"sku":"7470","price":8800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7470.jpg?v=1790235003","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7470","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}