Sake cups are like small Chawans (Matcha Bowls), each of them is unique and showcases some of the unique artistic approaches of its maker. Hence Sake cups are popular with collectors and all come with a signed wooden box. This is also due to the fact that Sake cups are classified as “Chado-items” (sake serving being part of the tea ceremony).
We are very happy to feature five unique and outstanding ceramic artists from Japan. Representing various classical traditions as well as also modern styles, we asked every artist to create a unique collection of Sake cups and vessels for this show (most pieces can also be used for tea and other beverages):
Kazuya ISHIDA (Bizen, Okayama)
Kazuya ISHIDA, short BIO:
1986: Born into a pottery family in Imbe, Bizen, Okayama, Japan
2000s: Studied ceramics in Bizen and Kyoto
2005-2009: Apprenticed under Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, mastering Bizen techniques and learning the importance of traditional craft
2011-2012: Gained international experience in the UK, exploring English slipware at the Leach Pottery
2013: Established his own kiln in Bizen, creating unglazed Bizen-style ceramics using Anagama and Noborigama kilns
Since 2015: Collaborates with Oxford University on Anagama kiln projects; participated in residencies in the USA and Australia
Discussing his approach to pottery, Ishida remarked:
"I have created techniques by learning about chance, the golden ratio, and by using the laws of the natural world."”
(From and interview with Imprint Space)
"The old masters came to appreciate the beauty of the natural colors that the naked clay develops when exposed to heat, fire and melted ash in different parts of the kiln. This appreciation for natural, unglazed clay is called tsuchi-aji, i.e. the ‘flavor of the earth’."
(From an interview with Insula Europea )
Work & Style:
Ishida-san draws inspiration from nature, reflecting marine and geological forms in his "Rahou" (螺法) spiral style. He utilizes local Bizen clay and unglazed wood-firing techniques to achieve natural ash effects, imparting unique textures and colors to his pieces. Known for functional ceramics such as vases, tea, and sake vessels, his works are celebrated in both Japanese and international galleries.
Techniques:
Rahou (螺法): Inspired by natural spirals like seashells, Ishida-san's Raho technique involves etching lines onto a cylindrical form and then manipulating it on the wheel to create dynamic, spiral patterns that evoke natural rhythms.
Adaptation of Slipware Technique: During his time in the UK, Ishida-san learned traditional English slipware techniques. He adapted this method by brushing white slip and then using a blowtorch to rapidly dry it, creating rich, organic textures.
By integrating these techniques, Ishida-san blends traditional Bizen pottery methods with contemporary influences, resulting in pieces that are both rooted in history and reflective of modern aesthetics.
Takuya KANAMOTO (Nara)
Takuya KANAMOTO short BIO:
1974: born in Nara
1998: graduated from Ryukoku University, then trained in Mie Prefecture
2001: graduated from Aichi Prefectural Ceramics Technical College
2003: Established his own atelier in Nara City
Creating ceramic works since 2003:
Japanese traditional crafts exhibition
Hagi Grand Prize of contemporary ceramics
Several Contemporary tea pottery exhibition
The artists remarks about how it feels to create ORIBE pieces
“I use green glaze on lumpy clay. I value the expression of the clay, which is created by cutting through lumps of clay (Kurinuki). I hope to create works with a life force that is guided by the movement of the clay.”
(freely translated from the Japanese original by Takuya Kanamoto)
by Marcel Karcher, UNEARTHED
Kurinuki, sea shells and copper glaze
Takuya Kanamoto utilises several techniques which make his work come alive. All Sado items are made using the Kurinuki technique: the tea bowls and sake cups are all carved from a solid block of clay, bearing similarity to the process of making a Raku Chawan. This technique is not only more time intensive but creates unique and uneven results compared to traditional wheel throwing.
Firing the pieces on the side on sea shell wadding creates more unique dynamics: salt in the sea shells burns in the kiln and creates red toasty flashing on the unglazed clay (similar to soda firing); the runny glaze is following gravity and creates drops resembling the famous wood-firing ash glaze effect “eye of the dragonfly”. Despite firing in an electric kiln these techniques are giving every piece an artistic twist and soul.
Haruyuki MATSUMOTO (Shiga)
Haruyuki MATSUMOTO, short BIO:
1983: Born in Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
2006: Studied at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Department of Ceramic Culture and Design, in South Korea.
2008: Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Kyoto Seika University, Kyoto, Japan.
2010: Completed a Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts at Kyoto Seika University.
2011: Solo exhibition at Gallery Haku, Osaka.
2014: Exhibited at Gallery Keifu, Kyoto; Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Museum Gallery, Shigaraki, Shiga; and Gallery Haku, Osaka.
2015: Featured at Takashimaya Kyoto Craft Salon.
2016: Held solo exhibitions "Light & Heavy" at Oribe Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, and "Feather Light" at Pragmata Gallery, Tokyo.
2017: Showcased at Gallery "Space" within Ichinokura Sakazuki Art Museum.
2018: Exhibited at Gallery Keifu, Kyoto, and NOTA_SHOP, Shiga.
2019: Solo exhibition at Gallery Kikikan, Kyoto.
Work & Style:
Matsumoto Haruyuki is a contemporary Japanese ceramic artist known for his innovative approach to traditional forms. His works often explore the interplay between lightness and heaviness, both in physical weight and conceptual depth. He begins by shaping ultra-thin porcelain forms, sometimes less than one millimeter thick, achieved through precise carving and trimming. These delicate pieces are then subjected to high-temperature wood firing in an anagama kiln, where they interact with ash and flames to develop unique textures and colors. Utilizing techniques that emphasize texture and form, Matsumoto creates pieces that challenge conventional perceptions of ceramics. His exhibitions, such as "Light & Heavy" and "Feather Light," reflect this thematic exploration, offering viewers a nuanced perspective on materiality and design
Masahiro SAKAKURA (Nagato, Yamaguchi)
Masahiro SAKAKURA, short BIO:
1983: Born in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
2007: Graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts.
2009: Completed a Master's degree in Sculpture at the same university.
2011: Finished the ceramics course of the Kyoto City Traditional Industry Technician Training Program.
2020: Held his first solo exhibition at Kakiden Gallery in Tokyo.
2024: Succeeded the title of Shinbei Sakakura XVI on May 27.
Artists comments on the clay
"I believe that the characteristics of Hagi ware lie in the soil, and I dig into the soil and refine it from scratch to bring out the unique charm of the soil."
Directly from Masahiro Sakakura
Work & Style:
Masahiro Sakakura specializes in Hagi ware, a traditional pottery style from Yamaguchi Prefecture. He emphasizes the intrinsic qualities of local clay, personally excavating and refining it to highlight its unique characteristics. His creations are deeply influenced by the aesthetics of the tea ceremony, focusing on tea pottery. Sakakura frequently employs Kohiki and Hakeme techniques, which involve applying white slip to the clay surface, and fires his pieces in a traditional climbing kiln (noborigama). This process results in works that embody both the rustic charm and refined elegance characteristic of Hagi ware.
All Pictures by Masahiro Sakakura, some by Marcel Karcher (unearthed-gallery.com)
Hideki YANASHITA (Iga, Mie)
Hideki YANASHITA, Short Bio
1967: Born in Tokyo, Japan.
1989: Graduated from Kuwasawa Design School.
2002: Built his own anagama (cave) kiln and established the Jinden kiln in Iga, Mie Prefecture.
2007: Began mentorship under Master Sadamitsu Sugimoto.
2004–2023: Held solo exhibitions at various Takashimaya department stores, including Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya.
2023: Held a solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Department Store.
Work & Style:
Hideki Yanashita is renowned for his diverse range of styles, including Raku, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe. He utilizes natural materials to express the philosophy of wabi-sabi, emphasizing simplicity and the beauty of imperfection. His pieces often feature natural textures and glazes, achieved through wood-firing techniques in his anagama kiln.
Yanashita employs a variety of traditional ceramic techniques:
Raku Ware: He creates both red and black Raku pieces, characterized by their hand-shaped forms and low-temperature firing, resulting in unique textures and glazes.
Yakishime (High-Fired Unglazed Stoneware): Utilizing high-temperature firing without glaze, Yanashita produces pieces with natural, earthy tones and textures.
Ido and Oribe Styles: He explores these traditional styles, known for their distinctive shapes and glazes, incorporating them into his work to create pieces that honor historical aesthetics.
