This tall pitcher is a piece of contrasts. The top is decorated in a bold black slip, which is contrasted with Akio's signature white slip below. The body of the pitcher is carved with grooved accentuating its height. 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.