RYOTARO KATO
Ceramics | Gifu Pref.
A ceramic artist based in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, Ryotaro Kato is the eighth generation of the “Kobeigama” Kiln family. He is deeply passionate about using “ana-gama” (literally, “cave”) kilns and produces mainly Mino tea ceramics in styles such as Shino, Setoguro and Oribe. He is also well versed in the tea ceremony and calligraphy, and conveys the beauty of Japan’s unique culture through his works. While building on tradition, he continues to actively refine his own sensibilities and take on the challenge of new projects.
HIDEKI YAMAMOTO
Ceramics | Takeo, Saga Pref.
A ceramic artist based in Takeo, Saga Prefecture. He is making pottery at the foot of Kurokami Mountain, a place richly endowed by nature. Studied under Mr. Shiro Banura who inherited the spirit of Rosanjin Kitaoji, he continues to create tableware for food.
SYO FUJITA
Ceramics | Bizen, Okayama Pref.
A ceramic artist living in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Fujita, after studying general arts, entered the ceramics field and studied under Mr. Kazuya Hashimoto. He continues to create works that add creativity to everyday life, while conveying the charm of “yo-no-bi (which means beauty in everyday objects)” of Bizen ware.
TAKAO TAHARA
Ceramics | Hagi, Yamaguchi Pref.
A cearmic artist living in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, he was born and grew up in one of the Fukawa kilns of Hagi ware which has a long history. Based on the traditional style using daidotsuchi (clay that is produced in Daido, Yamaguchi Prefecture), he pursues his new way of glazing expressions.
KATSUNORI SAWA
Ceramics | Shigaraki, Shiga Pref.
A ceramic artist based in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture. Having studied under renown potter Mr. Goro Suzuki, Mr. Sawa creates works in the style of Oribe and Shigaraki among others using a wood-fired kiln. His works are both powerful and expressive and are always interesting.
TAKI NAKAZATO
Ceramics | Karatsu, Saga Pref.
Ceramic artist living in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. At the Ryutagama kiln, founded by his father Takashi and one of the most famous kilns in the area, Taki continues to use the various techniques of Karatsu ware to design and produce table ware that fits in with our daily life and complements today’s cuisine.
MASAHIRO SAKAKURA
Ceramics | Hagi, Yamaguchi Pref.
Living and working in Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Masahiro Sakakura represents the next generation ceramic artists at the Sakakura Shinbei-gama Kiln, a Fukawa-hagi kiln with nearly 360 years of history. In addition to using traditional Hagi clay such as Daido-tsuchi, he also uses clay that he collects himself close to home to create his work. He makes use of the texture of the materials to create a wide range of works, including ceramics for use in tea ceremonies and various objets d’art.
TAIGA MORI
Ceramics | Bizen, Okayama Pref.
A ceramic artist living in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. He inherited the kiln from Furai Mori, his grandfather and Bizen ware artist. He aims for creations that reflects the strength of nature of Bizen’s clay and stone using the potter’s wheel and tebineri (hand-building) which is handed down by his grandfather.