{"product_id":"p7946","title":"Black cup and saucer","description":"This is a brand new black cup and saucer, freshly removed from the kiln by Masao Akiya, an artist who creates highly original works with a modern sensibility, having studied under the fifth Bizen ware Living National Treasure, Jun Isezaki.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis latest work was just fired in February of Reiwa 8 (2026).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCrafted using the Kuro-Bizen (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor Jun Isezaki, the black finish possesses a wonderful, warm hue despite its deep luster.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist uses a special clay sourced near Osafune, close to Bizen City, and applies a small amount of cobalt to the surface, creating a stylish and deep black texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the charms of black Bizen works is the \"blue kiln change\" (ao-yohen), where cobalt reacts with natural ash glaze. This piece features such a blue kiln change on the front of the cup, creating a striking visual impact.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe sophisticated design typical of Akiya-sensei is incredibly stylish. Rather than relying on complex ornamentation, the piece is designed simply to emphasize the beauty of its silhouette and lines, effectively highlighting the chic, modern nature of the black ceramic.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nCup: Diameter 10.8cm x 8.1cm x Height 6.9cm\u003cbr\u003e\nSaucer: Diameter 12.5cm x 12.5cm x Height 1.9cm\n\nMasao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting 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 works have 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 Award.","brand":"秋谷昌央","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618319978593,"sku":"7946","price":8800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7946.jpg?v=1790235026","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7946","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}