Masanori Yamamoto's "Shinogi Ceramic Plate 6-inch Black" is a beautiful piece that blends the tradition of Shigaraki ware with Yamamoto's unique contemporary design.
The numerous delicately carved "shinogi" patterns are meticulously etched one by one by hand, adding color to the entire piece. A plate entirely covered in shinogi patterns makes any dish shine when served as a single plate. You can enjoy it with everything from desserts to full meals.
Due to being handmade, there are individual differences in color and carving, and as it is used, it gains depth and luster, allowing you to enjoy a unique texture.
Meals served on Masanori Yamamoto's stylish tableware are sure to make your daily life more cherished.
*As each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences. Therefore, some pieces may have a greenish or bluish tint to the black color.
*The black spots on the pieces are naturally occurring iron content in the clay that has oxidized during firing. As this is also part of its individuality, please compare the expressions of each piece and feel the differences.
Artist Masanori Yamamoto - Tableware with Rhythmic and Dynamic "Shinogi" Patterns
Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1987, Masanori Yamamoto grew up in an environment steeped in pottery tradition. He graduated from the Pottery Course in the Faculty of Art and Design at Kyoto Seika University in 2009, where he thoroughly learned the fundamentals of ceramics. Afterward, in 2010, he completed the Small-item Wheel Throwing Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park's Ceramic Research Institute and gained practical experience working at a ceramic manufacturer.
Furthermore, in 2015, he completed the Body and Glaze Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park's Ceramic Research Institute. He acquired deep knowledge and skills in glazes and clay bodies, adding further originality to his works. Currently, he continues his ceramic production in Shigaraki Town, Shiga Prefecture, under the inherited family name "Kozan Gama" from his grandfather.

Characteristics of Masanori Yamamoto's Works
Masanori Yamamoto's works are characterized by the "shinogi" patterns, which are meticulously carved one by one by hand. The "shinogi" patterns are rhythmic and dynamic, giving the tableware a rich expression. There are three series: one with diagonally applied "shinogi" patterns, another called "Nawame" (rope pattern) where vertical lines are carved and the remaining parts are intricately carved diagonally to create a warm, knitted-rope-like texture, and the "Hana Shinogi" (flower shinogi) series, which appears as flamboyant as blooming flowers.

Masanori Yamamoto's Tableware: A Fusion of Shigaraki Ware Tradition and Unique Sensibility
Masanori Yamamoto's tableware, created in the traditional kiln inherited from his grandfather, embodies the tradition of Shigaraki ware while being crafted with his unique sensibility. He produces various pieces such as rimmed plates, soup cups, curry plates, yunomi (tea cups), and mugs. By coordinating the dining table with "shinogi" patterns, a vibrant impression can be achieved. Furthermore, his pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe, combining practicality for daily use with beauty, and their designs, which enhance food presentation, are highly acclaimed. He focuses on creating light and easy-to-handle tableware while valuing the subtle expressions and textures unique to handmade items.
