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.
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.
