Black Guinomi

Masao Akiya studied under Jun Isezaki, the fifth Living National Treasure of Bizen ware, and creates works full of originality within a fresh and contemporary spirit.
This is a newly fired black Guinomi by Masao Akiya, just released from the kiln.

It is one of his latest works, freshly fired in February 2026.

Created using the Kuro-Bizen technique inherited from his master, Jun Isezaki, this piece is especially appealing for its black surface, which combines a deep luster with a sense of warmth.

A special clay collected from areas near Osafune, close to Bizen City, is applied to the surface after being mixed with a small amount of cobalt, producing a stylish and richly nuanced black texture.

One of the most attractive features of his black works is the so-called “blue Yohen,” which appears when cobalt reacts with the natural ash glaze during firing.
This piece also displays a vivid blue Yohen on the front, creating a highly striking appearance.

Inside the bowl and on the reverse, the glossy black surface is beautifully accompanied by the Kigoma so characteristic of Bizen ware, allowing the viewer to fully enjoy the contrast of black, blue, and yellow together with the blue Yohen described above.

Its distinctive form, reminiscent of a tea bowl reduced in scale, together with its coloring, calls to mind a Raku tea bowl.
Combined with its charming and endearing presence, it is a piece that becomes more and more captivating the more one uses it.