Shigaraki ware is attractive for its countless delicately carved "shinogi" patterns.
The rope pattern that runs around the outside gives it the feel of an ancient vessel dug up from the earth, but Masanori Yamamoto's refined sensibility has given it an appearance that blends naturally into modern life.
The texture of the material and the flow of the glaze combine to create beautiful shadows, allowing you to feel the warmth of handwork and a visually pleasing sensation at the same time. The texture of the rope weave fits firmly in your hand, is non-slip, and is highly practical.
It has a soft texture and just the right thickness without being too heavy, making it a perfect companion for your daily tea time.It exudes a Japanese atmosphere, but is also versatile enough to blend seamlessly into Western spaces.
The Nawame Teacup is a simple, yet striking piece of pottery. The beauty of Masanori Yamamoto's unique design and the Shigaraki clay resonate together to create a tool that will add color to your everyday life.
*Since each item is handmade, there may be slight differences between each one.
*The black spots on the pieces are natural, resulting from the oxidation of iron remaining in the soil. These are also individual features, so please compare each piece and feel the difference.
Artist Masanori Yamamoto - Rhythmic and dynamic "Shinogi" pattern Utsuwa (tableware)
Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1987, Masanori Yamamoto grew up in an environment steeped in the tradition of pottery. He graduated from the Kyoto Seika University Faculty of Art and Design Department's Ceramics Course in 2009, where he thoroughly learned the fundamentals of pottery. He then completed the Small Pottery Wheel Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Technology Testing Center in 2010, and gained practical experience working at a ceramics manufacturer.
Furthermore, in 2015, he completed the base and glaze course at the Shigaraki Ceramics Technical Testing Institute. He has acquired in-depth knowledge and techniques regarding glazes and base materials, which gives his works even more originality. He currently continues to make pottery in Shigaraki Town, Shiga Prefecture, under the name "Kouzan Kiln," a trade name inherited from his grandfather.
Characteristics of Masanori Yamamoto's works
Masanori Yamamoto's works are characterized by the "shinogi" pattern, which is carefully carved by hand one by one. The "Shinogi" pattern is rhythmic and dynamic, giving the vessels a rich expression. There are three types of series: a series with a diagonal "Shinogi" pattern, a "Nawame" pattern in which vertical lines are carved and the remaining part is carved diagonally to create a warm expression like knitted rope, and the "Hana Shinogi" series, which looks gorgeous like blooming flowers.
Masanori Yamamoto's work combines the tradition of Shigaraki ware with his unique sensibility. Vessels
Masanori Yamamoto's pottery is made in a traditional kiln inherited from his grandfather, and while it inherits the tradition of Shigaraki ware, it is also produced with his own unique sensibility. He produces a variety of items, including rimmed plates, soup cups, curry plates, teacups, and mugs. They create tableware with a "Shinogi" pattern, which gives a gorgeous impression to the dining table. They are also microwave and dishwasher safe, and are highly praised for their practicality and beauty, making them suitable for everyday use, and their design that enhances the food is highly regarded. They cherish the subtle expressions and textures that can only be achieved by hand, and are committed to providing tableware that is light and easy to handle.
