{"product_id":"p7983","title":"Black mug","description":"This is a brand new black mug freshly fired by Masao Akitani, an artist who studied under the fifth Bizen ware Living National Treasure, Jun Isezaki, and creates highly original works infused with a modern spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a latest work, freshly taken out of the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is crafted using the Kuro-Bizen (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor, Jun Isezaki, and features a wonderful, deep, lustrous black finish that retains a sense of warmth.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo create this stylish, deep black surface, a small amount of cobalt is added to a special clay sourced near Osafune, close to Bizen City, and then applied to the surface of the piece.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the charms of black Bizen works is the \"blue yohen\" (kiln change), where cobalt reacts with the natural ash glaze. This piece also features this blue yohen on the rim and handle, creating a highly striking appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo showcase the chic and modern nature of his black works, the artist avoids complex ornamentation in favor of an excellent design that highlights the beauty of the silhouette and lines.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis large mug can also be used as a beer stein.\n\nNo box\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 11.5cm x 8.4cm x Height 9.4cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n*Please note that a shipping fee of 800 yen will be automatically added at checkout.\n\nMasao Akitani 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 opening in 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe has been selected for exhibitions such as the Tanabe Museum of Art \"The Modeling of Tea Ceremony\" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and 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":46618221772897,"sku":"7983","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7983.jpg?v=1790233570","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p7983","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}