{"product_id":"p8014","title":"Black teacup","description":"This is a newly fired Bizen tea cup by Masao Akitani, an artist who trained under the fifth Bizen-yaki Living National Treasure, Jun Isezaki, and creates works brimming with originality within a fresh, modern spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is his latest work, just removed from the kiln in February 2026.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCreated using the \"Kuro-Bizen\" (black Bizen) technique inherited from his mentor Jun Isezaki, it features a wonderful, deep, glossy black finish that radiates warmth.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe surface is coated with a special clay harvested from the Osafune area near Bizen City, to which a small amount of cobalt has been added, resulting in a stylish and profound black texture.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the charms of black Bizen pieces is the \"Ao-yohen\" (blue kiln-change effect) caused by the reaction between the cobalt and natural ash glaze. This particular piece features a large amount of this blue effect on the front, creating a highly impactful landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe cup was shaped with thick walls and then carved with a spatula using the \"shinogi\" technique; the form is truly magnificent in its pursuit of three-dimensional interest and visual appeal.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe evenly spaced and consistently deep spatula marks complete this solid style, further highlighting the aesthetic that resembles a blue flame flickering in the darkness.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.5cm x 7.3cm x Height 8.5cm\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 studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after 10 years of training, he built his own kiln and established his independence in the Bizen region in 2008.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis first kiln firing took place in 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's \"Tea Ceremony Forms\" exhibition and the Japan Kogeikai 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":46618227277921,"sku":"8014","price":4400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/8014.jpg?v=1790233620","url":"https:\/\/tourakuen.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/p8014","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}