Bizen small plate

These small plates are the work of Masao Akiya, a potter who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a fresh spirit. They are convenient, easy to use, and come in a pleasant size of around 15 cm—small enough in both width and height for easy storage. Their charm lies in a variety of firing techniques, including *yohen* (kiln transformations) characteristic of an *anagama* wood-fired kiln, and a deep, meticulous black finish. When in use, they serve as excellent supporting players, as is typical of Bizen ware, highlighting the food, sweets, or fruit they hold. (*Please note that due to the intense fire, the form is slightly distorted as shown in the image, resulting in slight instability.*) Paper box
Diameter 15.6cm × 15.1cm × Height 3.3cm Masao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki starting in 1998, and after a ten-year apprenticeship, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln opening in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art’s "Tea Ceremony Modeling Exhibition" and the Japan Kōgei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Prefectural Exhibition Award and the Encouragement Award at the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition.