Kuro Mug

This is a newly fired Kuro (black) mug by Masao Akitani, who studied under Jun Isezaki, a Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, and creates highly original works with a fresh, 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, possessing 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 mug, giving it a highly striking presence.

Rather than relying on elaborate decoration, the design makes full use of the chic and modern character of black ware, bringing out the beauty of the silhouette and lines to great effect.

This is a generously sized mug that can also be enjoyed as a beer mug.

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