Kuro Cup&Saucer

This is a newly fired Kuro cup and saucer by Masao Akiya, who studied under Jun Isezaki, the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, and creates highly original works within a fresh and contemporary spirit.

It is one of his latest works, freshly fired in February 2026.

This piece was made using the Kuro-Bizen technique inherited from his teacher, Jun Isezaki, and its black surface is especially appealing, with a deep luster yet a warm and inviting tone.

A special clay collected from areas near Osafune, close to Bizen City, is applied to the surface after a small amount of cobalt is added, creating a stylish and richly nuanced black texture.

One of the great attractions of black works is the so-called blue fire effect, created by the reaction between cobalt and natural ash glaze. In this piece as well, a blue fire effect appears on the front of the cup, giving it a highly striking presence.

Akiya’s refined sense of design is especially elegant here. Rather than relying on elaborate decoration, the piece is simply designed to bring out the beauty of its silhouette and lines, making full use of the chic and modern character of black ware.

He was born in Saitama Prefecture in 1968.
He became a disciple of Jun Isezaki in 1998.
He built a kiln in 2008 and became independent as a ceramic artist.