Masanori Yamamoto's "Shinogi Ceramic Plate 6-inch White" is a beautiful dish that blends the tradition of Shigaraki ware with his unique contemporary design.
The countless delicately carved "shinogi" patterns are meticulously etched one by one by hand, adding color to the entire dish. A dish adorned with shinogi patterns across its entire surface makes any dish look appealing simply by serving it as a single plate. You can enjoy it with everything from desserts to full meals.
As each piece is handmade, there are individual differences in color and carving, and as you use it, it will develop a deeper color and luster, creating a unique texture that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Meals served on Masanori Yamamoto's stylish dishes are sure to make your everyday life more cherished.
*As each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences.
*The black spots on the work are iron particles remaining in the clay that have oxidized during firing, and are naturally occurring. This is also part of its individuality, so please compare the expressions of each piece and enjoy the differences.
Artist Masanori Yamamoto - Dishes with Rhythmic and Dynamic "Shinogi" Patterns
Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1987, Masanori Yamamoto grew up in an environment steeped in ceramic tradition. He graduated from the Kyoto Seika University, Faculty of Art, Department of Sculpture, Ceramics Course in 2009, where he thoroughly learned the fundamentals of pottery. Afterwards, in 2010, he completed the Small Throwing Wheel Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Technical Institute and gained practical experience working at a ceramic manufacturer.
Furthermore, in 2015, he completed the Clay and Glaze Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Technical Institute. He acquired deep knowledge and techniques regarding glazes and clay bodies, adding further uniqueness to his works. Currently, he continues his ceramic work in Shigaraki-cho, Shiga Prefecture, under the inherited family business name "Kozan-gama" from his grandfather.

Characteristics of Masanori Yamamoto's Works
Masanori Yamamoto's works are characterized by "shinogi" patterns meticulously carved one by one by hand. The "shinogi" patterns are rhythmic and dynamic, giving the dishes a rich expression. There are three types of series: one with diagonal "shinogi" patterns, another called "Nawame" (rope pattern) where vertical lines are carved and then fine diagonal carvings are made in the remaining areas, creating a warm texture reminiscent of knitted cables, and the "Hana-shinogi" (flower shinogi) series, which appears as flamboyant as blooming flowers.

Masanori Yamamoto's Dishes: A Fusion of Shigaraki Ware Tradition and Unique Sensibility
While Masanori Yamamoto's dishes, created in a traditional kiln inherited from his grandfather, carry on the tradition of Shigaraki ware, he also incorporates his unique sensibility into his work. He produces a variety of dishes such as rimmed plates, soup cups, curry plates, teacups, and mugs, and by arranging them with "shinogi" patterns, he can bring a vibrant impression to the dining table. Furthermore, they are microwave and dishwasher safe, combining practical utility suitable for daily use with beauty, and their design, which enhances the food, is highly acclaimed. He emphasizes the subtle expressions and textures unique to handmade items, focusing on providing dishes that are light and easy to handle.
