Modern Japanese Ceramics Pottery Contemporary
By Appointment is best. You might get lucky just popping by, but a great deal of the month I am out visiting artists or scouring up new items, so days in the gallery are limited.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1485796 (stock #HT21)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Glass flows over the surface of this volcanic structure by Hashimoto Tomonari, a powerful ceramic sculpture accompanied by the original signed wooden placard. It is 25 cm (10 inches) diameter, 16 cm (6-1/4 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist. One of only a few glass works he has released to the public.
Hashimoto Tomonari was born the son of a sculptor and has felt comfortable with the processes of creation since childhood. He graduated with a masters from the Kanazawa University of Art in March 2017, then relocated to Shigaraki. A visit to his humble home studio is eye opening. Although he comes across as shy in conversation, when you move on to the subject of art, he is all confidence. He was named a finalist for the Loewe Craft Prize in 2019 and is making international waves around the world. Work by him is held in the V&A in London, LACMA and a large sculpture has recently been installed in his home prefecture of Wakayama.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1436334 (stock #1607)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A flagrant barrage of color gets in your face with this futuristic vessel by Yanagihara Mutsuo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Saimon Kabin (Colored Vase). Over the crackled sunshine yellow gleams platinum on lightning strikes of red, completely juxtaposed to the cool blue of the interior. Very much an iconic work by this eclectic artist. It is 17.5 cm (7 inches) diameter, 15 cm (6 inches) tall and in perfect condition.
Yanigahara Mutsuo (b.1934) was raised in Seto, and studied in Kyoto along with contemporary Morino Taimei with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship. His work is largely sculptural, and his choice of colors is his reflection on the decadence of Japanese society. A list of exhibitions and awards would be much too long but includes the Japan Ceramics Society Gold prize in 2002. Listed as one of the most influential potters of the 20th century in the Japanese ceramics magazine Honoho Geijutsu, he is held in the Museum of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto (MOMAT, MOMAK), The National Museum of Art, Osaka, V&A, Great Victoria Art Gallery, Portland and any number of other prominent public and private collections throughout the world. For more see Japanese Studio Crafts, Tradition and the Avant Garde by Rupert Faulkner. According to the V&A his “work is striking for its blend of dynamism, colour and wit. A leading figure among Kyoto artists, Yanagihara has taught at Osaka University of Arts since 1968. Yanagihara's application of brightly coloured abstract motifs to vessel forms with anatomical, sometime sexually explicit features - a combination with which he first experimented in the late 1960s and early 1970s - has been a characteristic of his work for the past fifteen years. As in the case of Morino Taimei, a close friend and exact contemporary at Kyoto City University of Arts in the late 1950s, Yanagihara has been considerably influenced by the experiences he gained during two periods of teaching in the United States in 1966-8 and 1972-4. His use of gold and silver - a wry comment, he has explained, on the decaying values of contemporary society and the corruption of Japan's political system - echoes the extravagant style of certain North American artists.”
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1485420 (stock #MC361)
A breathtaking sculpture by Hashimoto Tomonari enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The inverted cone is dark gray with rust red and blue patterns waving across the surface like gas clouds on some distant moon. It is 46 cm (18 inches) tall, 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, directly from the artist this winter. The wooden box is titled: Untitled. In fact he does not title any of his work now, preferring to leave interpretation up to the viewer. After hand forming and sculpting the shapes, they are bisque fired, then glazed and fired again at a relatively low temperature (Between 1000 and 1100 degrees, like Raku ware). Then he builds a brick oven around each piece and brings the temperature up to 500 degrees, and adds millet or rice husk, which carbonizes the surface, creating incredible colors and random patterns leaving the viewer with a feeling like rusted or heated metal. Hashimoto Tomonari was born the son of a sculptor and has felt comfortable with the processes of creation since childhood. He graduated with a masters from the Kanazawa University of Art in March 2017, then relocated to Shigaraki. A visit to his humble home studio is eye opening. Although he comes across as shy in conversation, when you move on to the subject of art, he is all confidence. He was named a finalist for the Loewe Craft Prize in 2019 and is making international waves around the world. Work by him is held in the V&A in London, LACMA and a large sculpture has recently been installed in his home prefecture of Wakayama.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1476221 (stock #MT030)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Matte colors in olive and silver coat the fiddle head fronds sprouting from this clump of clay studded with mysterious orbs by Masatomo Toi from his germination series of ceramic sculptures. The treatment of the rising horns is unusual in this piece, ordinarily more direct and threatening, these appear to be shy. The sculpture is 39 cm (15-1/2 inches) tall, 16.5 cm (6-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
(The price includes professional packaging and shipping by private air freight to Western Europe, North America and Oceania. For other regions please inquire.)
The germination series is a true window into this artists soul. They are his representation of the power of the life cycle paired with our human frailties and strengths. He begins by forming the thorns, orbs and sabers which stud the work. These are bisk fired, then glazed and fired again. They are then embedded into the clod, and bisk fired again after drying. Glazed, they are once again fired at high temperature. Despite efforts and calculations, weight and temperature and oxidation cause unexpected changes, the tendrils bend and move with the heat waves, the clay clod can crack or disintegrate. The survivors are cooled, and then aged. When he is ready, he applies the gold and silver and Platinum and other metals, and they are once again fired, and again some fall to the wayside, unable to withstand the temperatures. Sometimes unexpected alterations occur, and other pieces do not make it through or break. Some of these can be repaired and fired again. According to Toi the sculptures are like us humans: Like our lives, we get damaged, scarred, and sometimes we can be mended. We bend with time and weight, and my works are the same. And yet we survive, altered by the experiences. There is no shame in it.
Masatomo Toi was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1992, and graduated the Design course at the Tajimi Ceramics Research Facility in 2019. Since he has been developing his series of “Thorny” vessels and objects. At the same time he has been studying the way of tea and other traditional arts such as flower arrangement, and his use of negative space is masterful. His works have been featured in a number of group and juried exhibitions. He will soon depart Japan for a year of study and experimentation abroad, and we expect great things in his future.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Contemporary item #984536 (stock #394)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A superb example of the work of Kimura Morinobu enclosed in the original sgned wooden box. The cream colored crackle glaze is speckeld with flecks of iron an ishihaze with five Zen circles around the circumference, subtly calling to mind the Book of Five Rings (Miyamoto Musashi). The deep crevaces in the glaze and heafty load of the bowl are a pleasure to behold. It is 5 inches (13 cm) diameter, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall and in fine condition. Morinobu (b. 1932) was one of the born into a pottery family in Kyotos Higashiyama pottery district. He attended the Kyoto Municipal School of Art graduating from the sculpture division, and entered the Kyoto Ceramic Research Facility, the stomping grounds of so many of the brightest talents in modern Japanese Pottery. After apprenticing under bothhis brother, Morikazu, and Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi, he established his own kiln in 1967. Although his list of exhibitions is much too long to put down here, he was named an intangible Cultural Property (Mukei Bunkazai) of Kyoto Prefecture in 1992. Works by the artist are held in the Kyoto National Museum among others.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Bowls : Contemporary item #1062235 (stock #421)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Graffito scrawls through the silver lining of this fine Chawan by Morino Taimei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The rackish wave on the outside saunters away from the dip of the silver inside the rim, creating a very playful complexion. The bowl is 12.5 cm diameter, 7.5 cm tall and in perfect condition. An article clipped from a catalog shows a very similar bowl priced at the time at 200,000 yen.
Taimei was born in Kyoto in 1934, and was first accepted into the Nitten National Exhibition at a relatively young age in 1957 (a year before graduating the Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art!). In 1960 he received the prestigious Hokutosho prize at the same National Exhibition. In the early 60s he worked as a guest professor at the University of Chicago. Upon his return to Japan his career began to lift off with a second Hokutosho Prize at the Nitten, followed by The governors prize and others at the Gendai Kogei Ten (Modern National Crafts Exhibition). He was subsequently selected for display at the Kyoto and Tokyo National Museums in 1972 and was accepted into the first Nihon Togei Ten that same year. Since his list of exhibitions and prizes has continued to grow, with subsequent selections in the Tokyo and Kyoto museums of Art, as well as exhibitions in Paris, Italy, America, Canada, Denmark and others. In 2007 he received the Japan Art Academy Prize, an award to a work of art similar in weight to the bestowing of Living National Treasure to an artist. This puts the artist in a small club, rare and important. For more information on the artist see Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, Fired with Passion by (Lurie/Chan, 2006) or the recent exhibition of works titled Generosity in Clay from the Natalie Fitz-gerald Collection.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1350890 (stock #969)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A proud form of a fulling block inscribed with a wave pattern in the raw clay of the base and covered in ame-yu glaze by Inoue Toya enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 9-1/2 inches (24 cm) tall, 6 inches (15 cm) diameter and in excellent condition.
Inoue Toya (1942-2013), graduated the prestigious Nihon Daigaku in 1966, having spent his student years excavating ancient Karatsu shards and researching their techniques. He apprenticed under the multifaceted potter Nushi Ensai. In 1969 he opened his own kiln. He served as head of the Karatsu Ceramic Cooperative from 1983-2010 while focusing on private exhibitions held at Department stores and galleries throughout Japan. In 2008 his lifetime achievements were recognized with a private exhibition in Los Angeles.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Bowls : Contemporary item #1114860 (stock #469)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A very cool Ginsai covered dish by Banura Shiro enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Bright silver swirls to the center alternated by wrinkled lead colored glaze. It is 8 inches (20.5 cm) diameter and in excellent condition.
Shiro was born the fourth son of Living National Treasure for Lacquerware. His sensitivity to textures may stem from that exacting influence. Although his older brother succeeded the family tradition (another branching into paper arts), Shiro, after graduating the Kyoto University of Fine Art, apprenticed in the plastic arts under Kawamura Kitaro (1899-1966). He has an impressive list of exhibitions, including a private exhibition at the Umeda Kindai Bijutsu-Ten as well as the Niponbashi Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, and Ikebukuro Tobu, the equivalent of being displayed on New Yorks Fifth Avenue or other cities most Trendy streets, as well as many international exhibitions. Like most Iga-area artists, his output is low, but quality and originality high, making his work very much in demand.
All Items : Artists : Lacquer : Contemporary item #1444000 (stock #1713)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Gold flecks twinkle like stars in the night sky inside this free form dry lacquer sake cup by female lacquer artist Arai Etsuko enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is made of multiple layers of cloth, paper and lacquer with the final layer dusted with mother of pearl and gold flakes, polished down to a dull sheen. It is the cup 7 cm (2-1/2 inches) diameter, new from the artist in perfect condition.
Arai Etsuko (born in Kanagawa in 1980) apprenticed under Hiroshi Okada after Graduating the Kyoto School of Traditional Arts in 2003. For seven years she learned the arts of maki-e and kanshitsu, nunobari and inlay, working both on new pieces, as well as in the restoration of antique items, giving her a deep understanding of the various processes of lacquer over the centuries. In 2010 she moved out on her own. Her work is characterized by the exquisite mixture of traditional lacquer ware manufacturing methods and the delicate and gentle style unique to a woman. Her work has been exhibited at various venues throughout Japan, including the Asahi Craft exhibition and Kyoten. She was designated a Traditional Craftsperson (Dento Kogeishi) of Kyoto in 2014, Nationally in 2015. In a recent conversation she said she was drawn to the world of Lacquer by its glitter and sheen. Unlike drawing or pottery, the creation of lacquer art has no immediate sense of gratification, the imagery is brought out through layers over weeks or months, often invisible until the final stages. A most demanding medium, patience and diligence are paramount, but the result is unlike any other artform, and with proper care, can be passed through the generations, an heirloom to span the centuries.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1432398 (stock #1402)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A bottomless green pool by master of Seihakuji Kato Tsubusa enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Wan. A big telltale tear drop reaches down to grasp the table, exquisite. It is 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter and in excellent condition.
Kato Tsubusa was born in Tajimi city, the home of Shino, in 1962, graduating the municipal Pottery Design and Technical Center in 1979. However, after working some in pottery, he moved on to white porcelain, a leap from which he has never looked back. He has been displayed at the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, The Chunichi Kokusai Togei Ten (Chunichi International Ceramics Exhibition) and The Asahi Togei Ten as well as private exhibitions overseas (New York among others). Work by him is held in the Aichi Ceramics Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, The Brooklyn Museum, The Gifu Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, the Ibaraki Ceramic art Museum, the Musee Tomo in Tokyo, the Victoria & Albert Museum among others For more on this important artist see Toh, Volume 85 (1993), which is entirely dedicated to him. Also Quiet Clarity “RIN” (1996), or Fired with passion: Contemporary Ceramics of Japan (2007).
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Porcelain : Contemporary item #1425069 (stock #1504)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A set of five long narrow plates by Minami Ayako enclosed in the original signed wooden box upon which is written the titles of each dish. Each dish is uniquely decorated, with Rimpa style waves, flowers in snow, a golden sun peering from behind clouds, the moon rising through the mist, or just swirling colorful clouds. A beautiful set perfect for tapas or small hors d’ oeuvres (or perhaps eel for the daring crowd). Each plate is 6 x 34.5 cm (2-1/2 x 13-1/2 inches) and all are in new condition.
Minami Ayako was born the daughter of Kutani artist Minami Shigmasa in Ishikawa prefecture, 1984. While working at the family kiln, she studied, graduating from the Kutani Prefectural Ceramic Research Facility in 2007. The following year her work was awarded at the Kyoto Kogei Crafts Biennale and was selected for exhibition at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Her work has since been exhibited there, as well as the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition (awarded), Kanazawa Crafts Exhibition and Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition (collected by the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art). She received honorable mention at the 73rd Issuikai Exhibition in 2011.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1487930 (stock #MC611)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A deep wan-gata bowl swept with swirling Zen brush-strokes over earthen glaze by veteran female artist Shigemori Yoko enclosed ina wooden box titled O-Chawan (Big Tea Bowl). It is 13.5 cm (5-1/4 inches) diameter, 9.5 cm (just less than 4 inches) tall and in perfect condition, directly from the artist’ family and comes enclosed in a wooden box annotated by her nephew.
Shigemori Yoko (1953-2021) was born in Kagoshima. Yoko came to Kyoto where she initially studied painting at the Kyoto Tankidai Art College, then moved to ceramics at the Kyoto Municipal Art University where she studied traditional pottery techniques under Kondo Yutaka before entering advanced courses under avant-garde Yagi Kazuo, graduating in 1979. Her first solo exhibitions were held while still a student at Gallery Iteza in Kyoto. She eschewed the world of competitive exhibitions in favor of the intimacy of private galleries, and her list of solo exhibitions is expansive. She received the Yagi Kazuo prize in 1986 and 1988 at the Nihon Gendai Togeiten National Modern Ceramics Exhibition. She was one of five artists featured in Toh, volume 76, the first issue dedicated to Kyoto potters. Toh was, at the time
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Plates : Contemporary item #1437404 (stock #1616)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A swirling iron colored ceramic dish by Takatsu Mio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Uzumaki no Sara. It is 20 x 18 x 8.5 cm (8 x 7 x 3-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition, from the artist this summer. We use one of these at home for cheese and cold cuts, looks great with a wine glass and garners a lot of attention!
Takatsu Mio (b. 1976) was raised in Gifu prefecture among the scattered kilns of Mino. She graduated the Osaka University of Arts Sculpture Department in 1999, moving on to advanced studies which she completed in 2001. Her first exhibited works were in 1999, and then again in Tokyo in 2001. The following year she exhibited with the 6th International Ceramics Exhibition in Mino with several private exhibitions over the following years in some of Japans top venues. In 2005 she made her overseas debut. In 2009 her work was featured in Women Ceramic Artists in the 21st Century (Paramita Museum/Mie Japan) 2011 saw her work accepted into the Faenza International Ceramics Exhibition in Italy, as well as the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics Exhibition.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1481190
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A canonical misshapen Shigaraki Jar by legendary female artist Koyama Kiyoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen-yu Uzukumaru. The igneous coating of mottled natural ash glaze containing clusters of charring gives testament to the fluctuations in temperature during the firing which give the work of this pioneering female artist such a unique quality. Here the form is classic medieval Shigaraki with a cross-work pattern called Higaki engraved into the shoulder of the jar. It is 21 cm (8-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Koyama Kiyoko was the subject of the film Hi-Bi (2005) and the recent NHK television drama Scarlet. She is the preeminent pioneering female wood firing artist in Japan. Born in Sasebo, Nagasaki in 1938, she went to Shigaraki village, home of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. There she studied the traditional techniques, and bore the brunt of centuries of discrimination against women. Through it all she persevered to become one of the most highly sought of Shigaraki potters. For more on her works see Modern Japanese Ceramics in American Collections, Japan Society New York, 1993
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1262064 (stock #746)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Waves of color belt this unusual form by Usui Kazunari enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 20 inches (50 cm) tall, roughly 8 inches (20 cm) diameter and in fine condition.
Usui Kazunari was born in Seto city, Aichi in 1954, and graduated the Nagoya University of Art, sculpture division in 1977. He immediately apprenticed under Kato Shuntei, where he remained until establishing his own kiln in 1983. He has been often displayed at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten and Nihon Togeiten. In 1996 one of his works was chosen to travel overseas with the Contemporary KŌGEI Styles in Japan Exhibition (Gendai Nihon no Kogei Ten). He has received many awards, including top prize at the Tokai Dento Kogeiten (twice).
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1450667 (stock #1790)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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Product of the pure spirit of Shigaraki tradition and the pure winds of the inferno and impurities of the clay is this fabulous chawan tea bowl by the inspiring Furutani Kazuya enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Chawan. It has a rugged complexion with raw sunburnt clay dappled with spattered ash and a wide, solid, base. Enjoy the weight of it in your hands, then turn it over and marvel at the glistening jade gem clinging to the bottom. It is 12 cm (5 inches) diameter 8 cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Furutani Kazuya was born the son of Anagama legend Furutani Michio in 1976. He graduated the Yamaguchi College of Art in 1997, and spent a year at the ceramics research facility in Kyoto before returning to work under his father in Shigaraki. His Father’s sudden death in 2000 pushed Kazuya to the fore, and left him with big shoes to fill. That he has done! Building three Anagama in the following decade and displaying with the National Ceramics Exhibition and a number of private affairs in some of Japan’s top venues. He was just preparing for a solo exhibit at the prestigious Kuroda Toen Gallery when we met him late in the autumn.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Contemporary item #1479931 (stock #FT44)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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This piece I feel goes very well with the Tokkuri just listed, a guinomi showcasing the soft tones of the Shigaraki clay with its inclusions and imperfections, a smattering of ash inside spilling like sake over the rim in green, white and gray. It is by Furutani Taketoshi and comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shizen-yu Guinomi. It is 6.5 cm (2-1/2 inches) diameter, 4.5 cm (just under 2 inches) tall and in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Furutani Taketoshi was born the son of master craftsman Furutani Hirofumi in 1974, graduating the Shigaraki Industrial High School Ceramics department in 1992 before entering the Shiga prefectural Ceramics Research Facility where he learned first Small Rokuro wheel technique, graduating the following year. In 1993 he would find himself under the tutelage of Suzuki Iwau before re-entering for a second course at the Research Facility, graduating in 1995. From then he returned to the family kiln where he learned in the time-honored tradition from both his grandfather Churoku I and father Hirofumi (Churokuk II). In 2013 he was named a Dento Kogeishi Traditional Craftsman. Since he has exhibited consistently at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Subverting the self, he makes simple, organic pots which have a timeless quality. As well he dares new forms and challenges the clay with innovative techniques, coercing from the pliable earth challenging incarnations very much rooted in the now, yet still paying homage to the traditions passed down through the ages.
All Items : Artists : Ceramics : Pottery : Vases : Contemporary item #1469257 (stock #MC172)
Modern Japanese Ceramics
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A breathtaking new look at Shigaraki Anagama ware by Furutani Taketoshi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shigaraki Shizen-yu Yohen Shinogi Tsubo (Natural Ash Glazed Blade Style Shigaraki Tsubo). The artist has coil formed the vessel, with thick walls, then incised a waving pattern leaving a saw-tooth surface dusted in ash with brilliant hi-iro and dark charring. It is 31 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Directly from the artist this summer.
Furutani Taketoshi was born the son of master craftsman Furutani Hirofumi in 1974, graduating the Shigaraki Industrial High School Ceramics department in 1992 before entering the Shiga prefectural Ceramics Research Facility studying wheel technique, graduating the following year. He then did a year apprenticeship at a pottery before re-entering for a second course at the Research Facility, graduating in 1995. From that year he returned to the family kiln, receiving the family tradition from both his grandfather Furutani Churoku and father Furutani Hirofumi. Subverting the self, he makes simple, organic pots which have a timeless quality, very much rooted in the now, but paying homage to the traditions past down through the ages. He was named a Designated Traditional Craftsman (Dento Kogeishi) in 2013. He has exhibited with the Nihon Dento Kogeiten among others, and still works closely with his father at the family kiln.