"Tranquil Japanese pottery" woven in Kamakura

Nobufumi Watanabe, who runs his studio "Ogiya Pottery Workshop" in the mountains of Kita-Kamakura, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, studied ceramics at Musashino Art University and began making pottery in Kamakura in 2006. He inherited the name "Ogiya" from the hardware store run by his parents in Chiba, and continues to create pottery as a place that connects his life with his studio.

Using natural glaze, ash glaze, wasabi glaze, black glaze, and other materials, and combining multiple techniques such as carbonization firing, openwork carving, and wax removal, the vessels are endowed with a unique texture, such as a pale yellow crazing glaze, a soft wasabi green, and a metallic black luster.The pale expression and patterns of the ash glaze pieces in particular are elegant, and they are highly rated as items that enhance the flavor of food.
Watanabe believes that "tableware is an important part of creating the atmosphere at the dining table that makes food look even more delicious," and pursues beautiful tableware that is suitable for everyday use while also having an appearance suitable for special occasions.

The works convey the nature and peaceful lifestyle of Kamakura, as well as the sincerity of handcrafted work, and exude a quietly strong aesthetic sense.