This large vase features an oval shaped rim—a new design for this year—and is delicately lined with black slip. The body is carved with lines accentuating the round form and is decorated in Akio's signature white clay slip. The shinogi—a traditional Japanese decorative technique—are carved carefully by hand into the surface of the piece. After bisque firing Akio applies colored slips and then glazes the pieces with translucent matte glaze. Beautiful to see and incredible to hold.