This vase is a beautiful example of a new shape from Akio. The oval shaped rim—a new design for this year—is decorated in black slip and the body of the vase is carved with lines that accentuate the form of the piece. 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.