Kuro rice bowl

This is a newly fired Kuro (black) rice bowl (large) 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.

It was made using the Kuro-Bizen technique inherited from his master, Jun Isezaki, and the black surface is especially attractive, combining a deep luster with a warm tone.

A special clay collected in areas such as Osafune, near Bizen City, is applied to the surface after being blended with a small amount of cobalt, producing a stylish and deeply expressive black finish.

One of the charms of his black works is the so-called "blue fire" effect, created by the reaction between the cobalt and the natural ash glaze. This piece also shows a blue fire effect on the front, where yellow and blue mingle together to create a distinctive fire pattern.

Inside, Goma (sesame-like ash glaze) is scattered boldly across the surface, and together with the black coating, it creates a scene reminiscent of a starry sky.

Around the foot, fine cuts have been carved with a wooden spatula, and when light falls on the piece, the subtle tool marks gently emerge.

We also have works of the same shape and smaller versions available, so please feel free to inquire.

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