{"product_id":"p7949","title":"Black mug","description":"This is a brand-new black mug just taken from the kiln by Masao Akiya, an artist who trained under the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, Jun Isezaki, and creates highly original works with a fresh sensibility.\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, the mug features a stunning, deep, glossy black finish that still manages to feel warm.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe artist uses a special clay sourced from near Osafune, close to Bizen City, and applies a coating containing a small amount of cobalt to the surface to achieve this stylish, deeply colored black skin.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the charms of black Bizen works is the \"blue kiln change\" (ao-yohen), caused by the reaction between the cobalt and the natural glaze. This piece features a striking blue kiln change on the front, creating a very impactful appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nTo highlight the chic and modern nature of his black works, the artist avoids complex ornamentation, opting instead for a superb design that emphasizes the beauty of the silhouette and lines.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is a large mug that can also be used as a beer stein.\n\nNo box included\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 11.7cm x 8.6cm x Height 10.3cm\n\nMasao Akiya was born in Saitama in 1968.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe began his apprenticeship under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki in 1998, and after 10 years of training, he built his own kiln in Bizen and became independent in 2008.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHe held his first kiln opening in 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHis work has been selected for the Tanabe Museum of Art \"Chanoyu Modeling Exhibition\" and the Japan Kōgei Association 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":46618215841889,"sku":"7949","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/7949.jpg?v=1790233515","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p7949","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}