Bizen black sake cup

This is a black sake cup by Masao Akitani, who studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki and creates works brimming with unique originality within a modern aesthetic. The structure of the anagama kiln, which allows flames to sweep through, has resulted in a rich application of natural ash glaze that shifts in appearance, never ceasing to captivate the viewer. This abundant natural glaze has transformed in places to resemble cobalt blue or gold pigment, with the glossy black clay body effectively accentuating these colors. The vessel features strata-like patterns created by fluidly carving the clay with a spatula, which pairs beautifully with the charming, bowl-like form. Signed wooden box (double-slat lid)
Diameter 7.1cm x Diameter 7.0cm x Height 4.6cm Masao Akitani was born in Saitama in 1968. He studied under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki from 1998, and after ten years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008. He held his first kiln firing in 2009. His work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art's "Tea Ceremony Ceramics Exhibition" and the Japan Kogei Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition, and he has received awards including the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition Prize and the Encouragement Award.