Bizen small bowl

This is a newly fired Bizen small bowl by Masao Akiya, who studied under Jun Isezaki, the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, and creates highly original works with a fresh and distinctive spirit.

This is one of his latest works, newly fired in February 2026.

This small bowl is especially appealing for its splendid fire pattern created through the traditional Anagama firing of the Isezaki lineage. Against a base of amber and reddish-brown clay tones, beautiful Tobi-Goma and Hidasuki appear across the surface.

It vividly shows one of the defining characteristics of Anagama firing, in which the flames rush powerfully through the kiln toward the back. The rich variety of Goma patterns gives the piece a strikingly different impression depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

In the center of the interior, refractory clay was placed on the bottom during firing to preserve the Hidasuki, adding further pleasure to its use as a vessel.

This is a versatile small bowl that can be used for a wide range of foods, from colorful side dishes, salads, and fruit to sweets and ice cream.

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 independent as a ceramic artist.