Hello! My name is Takezawa, and I am the owner of UTSUWABI, a store that sells
ceramics made by artists.
The Mashiko Pottery Market is one of the largest pottery fairs in Japan, and
many artists participate every year! Therefore, depending on your timing, many of you may not have been able to visit
all of the venues.
After returning home, I looked up “Mashiko Pottery Market Trophies” on the
Internet, and found many people saying, “Oh, there are so many artists here? There was an artist like this? or “I
missed this piece....
When that happens, I am often left with a sense of frustration and a sense of
waste.
In this article, I would like to introduce some of the artists who are popular on Instagram and
blogs, and also popular among various stores and vessels.
I want to know what kind of artists are
exhibiting at the Mashiko Pottery Fair! I don't want to miss out on my favorite pottery! I don't want to miss out on
my favorite vessels!
Let us introduce you to them!
Various spoils from the Mashiko Pottery Market
First, let's see what kind of vessels you all bought and posted on Instagram.
Everyone is buying vessels according to their own taste!
Popular Artists at Mashiko Pottery Market
I would like to quickly introduce some of the artists who were featured as spoils of war.
They are all popular
artists, so if you are interested in their work, we recommend that you be the first to visit them at the pottery
market.
Mio Higashimine
Higashimine's designs are reminiscent of Scandinavian textiles, and the feel of the clay is enjoyable, creating a
clean, uncluttered impression.
The calm cuteness of motifs such as “swallows” and “white bears” will make you want to
pick them up.
The simple & retro design and the size that will come in handy are a must.
When the adorable polar bear plates are lined up, the dining table will be filled with warmth.
It is so cute that you
just want to pick it up.
Aki Murata
Murata's vessels are characterized by a relaxing atmosphere that is created by the casual use of traditional patterns
such as aomiha (blue ocean waves) and morning glories.
The sizes and shapes are made with ease of use in
mind, so if you find one in your cupboard, you are likely to reach for it!
Refreshing and sophisticated.
The modern chrysanthemum pattern is perfect for mature women.
Designed for easy use in any season.
The luxurious form can be enjoyed from various angles.
Nana Goto
Goto is currently building a kiln and making pottery in Niigata City.
He does not use spatulas or other
tools to grind his pots, preferring to preserve the “hand marks” that are unique to handmade pottery.
This bowl has a unique name, “small bowl with a hat.
It is a gentle piece, but somehow it attracts the eye.
Rie Shoji
Shoji creates his pottery with the intention of “enhancing the food when it is served and making the vessels
themselves look their most attractive.
Using “straw ash,” which is easy to handle and does not change much
over time, the vessels can be enjoyed for as long as you like at first sight.
The Almond Bowl is one of the most popular of Shoji's works. It is a bowl full of charm.
Ai Takahashi
Ai Takahashi uses Mashiko clay and traditional Mashiko glazes to create vessels designed to fit modern lifestyles.
The
colors that remind us of natural plants and trees, and the chunky form are appealing.
The simple yet subtle
presence of these dishes will be accepted with open arms.
Toshiyuki Haramura
Haramura learned porcelain making in Arita City.
He is now working independently in Saitama.
The elegance
and refined atmosphere of porcelain vessels are beautifully matched with the natural gentleness of his handwork.
A bear mouse seems to be walking around inside the bowl.
It is easy to clean and durable, so children will love it.
Hana craft
A husband-and-wife team in Hokota City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
They mainly deal with porcelain.
Each
piece is full of the charm of Japanese tableware.
The refined appearance of this flower makes you sigh.
The lovely form of the petals is irresistible.
Yoshiko Kasahara
Kasahara uses Mashiko clay and traditional glazes to create vessels that fit into modern life.
The pieces she produces
have an elegant and dainty antique feel, but also have a warm atmosphere that is unique to Mashiko pottery.
The combination of the greenish gray color and the floral pattern carved into the rim may appeal to many people.
Masayo Toyoda
Toyoda's work uses the “itchin” technique, in which clay is placed in a tube and patterns are drawn on it as it is
squeezed out.
The detailed designs and the colors of the glaze complement each other perfectly, reminding one of fine
antique cloth.
It evokes a delicate femininity.
It has a wonderful antique lace-like texture that naturally catches the eye.
Kinone
Kinone produces kohiki vessels in a mixture of beige and brown tones.
The cute shapes of bread, milk
bottles, cats, etc., make you smile.
Kanae Aizawa
After working in illustration and design, Aizawa now makes pottery in Mashiko Town
He is currently a potter
in Mashiko Town.
His works are sure to make you feel happy, with their sunset-like hues and animal designs that will
make you feel relaxed.
The elephant standing on the edge of the plate is a comforting design.
With this plate, children will eat more and
more food.
Kumiko Shimonaga
Her attractive vessels with motifs of animals and plants are sure to bring joy to your table.
She creates
pottery with the hope that “people will enjoy seeing living things appear and disappear as they use the vessels.
Only at a pottery market can one see so many motifs at once, from animals such as bears and civets to plants such as pansies.
Moe Kawasaki
Kawasaki's vessels have a lovely appearance with soft colors and a series of circles, dots, and lines.
Many
unique shapes, such as the “Tane Bowl,” add a fun atmosphere to your dining table.
Yoshikuni Goto
Goto is a popular artist who sells out at every pottery market in Mashiko.
Goto's konpiki pottery has a
refined yet unpretentious appearance that is appealing.
Each piece is carefully hand-glazed and chamfered, adding
a touch of elegance to your daily dining table.
Kosuke Teramura
Teramura makes his vessels using natural materials that are close at hand, such as Mashiko clay, apples, and pear tree
ash.
These materials not only bring out the unique charm of their textures and colors, but also provide
practicality in that they are durable and easy to use.
The roughness and warmth of the clay as it is, the vessels look like something out of a fairy tale.
Takashi Sato, Ushi Kiln
Sato of Ushi Kiln, a potter, says, “I want to pass on the Mashiko tradition of the kick wheel and climbing kiln to the
next generation, and to expand the skills that I can enjoy and continue for the rest of my life.” Mr. Sato of Ushigama
produces pottery with the desire to “pass on Mashiko's traditional wheel throwing and climbing kiln techniques to the
next generation.
The rounded forms and gentle colors of kohiki (powder-coated porcelain) are the
characteristics of his work.
Kei Ishikawa
Born and raised in Mashiko, Ishikawa uses Mashiko materials as much as possible and utilizes traditional Mashiko
techniques.
The inlaid patterns are inspired by folk art from Africa and other parts of the world.
The
simple yet powerful atmosphere of the earthenware is wonderful.
Akihiro Terada
Each of Terada's vessels shows a different coloring depending on the crack pattern called “kan-iri” and the way the
glaze is applied.
When you hold the actual piece in your hand, you can see that each piece has its own unique
expression.
They are also easy to use, so once you try them, you will be addicted to them.
With a size that fits comfortably in the hand and a pleasant earthen feel, this small bowl is sure to be in frequent use.
Kazuaki Shimura
After studying ceramics in Kyoto, Shimura studied Kutani Ware in Ishikawa Prefecture.
He creates designs
that are all exciting and nostalgic, while being conscious of their usability as vessels.
It is so cute that it could be glimpsed in a retro, stylish movie.
Masahiko Anesaki
Anesaki's vessels have a somewhat antique atmosphere.
The beauty of the delicate pattern of Shinogi is
enchanting.
The calm coloring will blend in easily with your dining table.
Yumiko Shimoya.
Shimoya makes his works in Kasama City.
His works are characterized by the use of traditional techniques such as
“shinogi” and “chamfering,” which is a process of scraping the surface of vessels.
The antique-like texture
of his works will soothe you and make you want to cherish them forever.
This design looks great in both Japanese and Western cuisine.
The shinogi lines shaved at the top and bottom are not
too assertive and have a very natural flavor.
Yoko Kato
Yoko Kato The patterns on Kato's works are drawn using the traditional Japanese paper dyeing technique, which is one
of the oldest ceramic art techniques.
The combination of this traditional technique and modern design reminiscent of
Scandinavian picture books creates lovely, nostalgic pieces.
The patterns are cute, but when served with
food, they become strangely understated.
It has an appeal that makes you want to display it as an interior decoration, not to mention serving food on it.
Kenji Kubota
Kubota's characteristic three-dimensional patterns, which are so smooth that they make you want to touch them, are
drawn in mud using the “itchin” technique.
The exotic mood of these works will gently add elegance to your
dining table or interior design.
Norio Nakabayashi
Nakabayashi's light matte vessels look like sugar-coated sweets.
The cup handles are simple in form, but
the cups have unique handles.
Shintaro Abe
Abe's works are characterized by a Western antique look and feel.
The warmth of his handiwork and the
gentle texture of the clay stand out because of the simplicity and cleanliness of his vessels.
It would
make a great gift for people of all ages.
Yoshizawa Kiln
One of the most popular kilns, Yoshizawa Kiln, is a Mashiko pottery kiln.
Currently, the kiln is run by about 30
people.
All of them work carefully on each piece, from the idea to the finished product.
There are some deep-rooted
fans who collect their works.
The texture that seems to be woven with various colors is exciting, gorgeous,
and elegant.
The uniquely shaped vessels make you smile.
Whether used together or as a single piece, they
are the star of the show.
Takehiro Ito
Ito has visited potters and kiln sites throughout the United States and Japan, and continues to make pottery in the
town of Mashiko.
He has learned the “slipware” technique, in which a pattern is drawn on the surface of the
vessel with a muddy clay, and is researching new possibilities for pottery while utilizing materials that have been
used in Mashiko pottery since ancient times.
The naturally occurring vividness of the glaze and the unique form complement each other.
These vessels have a
mysterious and profound air about them.
Takahito Okada
Okada trained for five years under Tatsuzo Shimaoka, a living national treasure ceramic artist, before setting up his
own business in Mashiko.
He uses a traditional technique called “kakidoshi,” in which he scrapes the
surface of a vessel when it is still dry to reveal a pattern on the surface.
A modern pattern that catches the eye unintentionally.
It is an excellent match for Japanese cuisine.
Shizuka Oikawa
It is not easy to find a pottery that is as elegant and refined as Oikawa's work, while at the same time allowing you
to fully enjoy the sturdy character of the clay.
It is easy to use, and can be used in the oven as well as
over an open flame.
Wakasama ceramics
Wakasama ceramics insists on making things in nature and by hand.
The forms and colors of their pottery,
inspired by the nature of Mashiko, are perfect for spending precious time together.
They fit gently into the daily
lives of the people who use them.
It is a delightful presence when casually served at the dining table.
The
playful spirit will make you smile.
Enokida Kiln
The bold patterns of dots, plaid, and plants are impressive in Enokida Kiln's works.
The thick, chunky forms
characteristic of Mashiko pottery give the pottery a dependable atmosphere.
While bright and lively, the
texture of the clay is also fully utilized, giving it an atmospheric feel.
Chisa Kawanishi
Kawanishi, who creates his works in Toyama Prefecture, uses ceramics, and his works are characterized by their
hardness, yet softness and fresh air.
The delicate and lovely appearance of her works makes us feel happy.
It
is very cute but not too sweet, thanks to the transparency drawn from the design and materials.
The rounded
form of the bowl gives it a sense of translucent light.
Kyoko Saotome
Saotome is based in Mashiko.
Her works, which make you giggle and smile, have many fans, and she is so
popular that people start lining up early in the morning at the Mashiko Pottery Fair.
Her works are so popular that
people line up early in the morning at the Mashiko pottery market to have them displayed.
Chopstick rests and brooches that you will never forget once you meet them.
The large sumo wrestlers are
too cute.
Mie Maeda
Maeda, who studied textiles, creates works with a gentle appearance reminiscent of nature, such as trees, plants, and
flowers.
The quiet yet profound atmosphere that complements the user's daily life is appealing.
Finally
At the Mashiko Pottery Fair, there are many truly unique artists exhibiting their wares. It is a rare opportunity to
encounter not just one, but two, three.... It is a rare opportunity to encounter not just one, but two, three.... We
hope you will visit the exhibition!
Some of the artists whose works were introduced this time are listed in
the link below.
Please take a look if you like.
If you have children and can't make it to the event, or if you have been to the event but couldn't find the pottery
you wanted, we are here to help you!
Our store is “Enjoy pottery fairs from the comfort of your own home.
Our shop sells and sells the artists we think are the best from pottery fairs and craft fairs all over the country.
We
are selling works by artists we have selected from pottery fairs and craft fairs across the country.
Please
take a look if you like.
（UTSUWABI Takezawa）