{"product_id":"p7976","title":"Black mug","description":"This is a brand-new black mug just removed from the kiln 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 aesthetic.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCrafted using the Kuro-Bizen (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor Jun Isezaki, the mug features a stunning, deeply glossy black finish that radiates warmth.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist uses a special clay sourced from the Osafune area near Bizen City, to which a small amount of cobalt is added and applied to the surface to create a stylish, deep black texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the highlights of these black pieces is the \"blue kiln change\" (ao-yohen), a phenomenon where cobalt reacts with the natural ash glaze; this piece features this effect on the front of the cup, giving it a powerful and impressive appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nRather than relying on complex ornamentation, the design emphasizes the beauty of the silhouette and lines, perfectly highlighting the chic and modern nature of the black work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a large mug that can also be used as a beer stein.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 11.9cm × 8.9cm × Height 10.1cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n*Please note that a shipping fee of 800 yen will be automatically added at checkout.\n\nMasao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe began studying under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after a 10-year apprenticeship, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe held his first kiln firing in 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art \"Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition\" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Award and the Encouragement Award.","brand":"秋谷昌央","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618220658785,"sku":"7976","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7976.jpg?v=1790233559","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7976","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}