Masanori Yamamoto's "Small Katakuchi Bowl in White" is a beautiful piece that combines the tradition of Shigaraki ware with his unique contemporary design.
The "Hana Shinogi" pattern, featuring blooming flowers in the center with a "shinogi" carving, is meticulously hand-carved line by line, adding color to the entire bowl.
The size and appropriate depth make it perfect for serving side dishes with sauces or for plating.
As each piece is handmade, there are individual differences in color and carving. The piece gains depth and luster with use, offering a unique texture that can be enjoyed as a one-of-a-kind item.
Meals enjoyed with Masanori Yamamoto's stylish tableware are sure to make everyday life more cherished.
*As each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences.
*The black spots on the piece are naturally occurring iron content in the clay that has oxidized during firing. This is part of its individuality, so please compare each piece and appreciate their unique expressions.
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 ceramic tradition. He graduated from the Kyoto Seika University, Faculty of Art, Department of Sculpture, Ceramics Course in 2009, gaining a solid foundation in pottery. Afterwards, in 2010, he completed the Small Throwing Wheel Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Ceramics Research Institute, and gained practical experience working for a ceramic manufacturer.
Furthermore, in 2015, he completed the Clay and Glaze Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Ceramics Research Institute. He acquired deep knowledge and techniques regarding glazes and clay bodies, imbuing his works with even more originality. Currently, in Shigaraki Town, Shiga Prefecture, he continues to create pottery under the name "Kozangama," a kiln name inherited from his grandfather.

Characteristics of Masanori Yamamoto's works
Masanori Yamamoto's works are characterized by "shinogi" patterns, meticulously carved by hand. The "shinogi" patterns are rhythmic and dynamic, giving the tableware a rich expression. There are three series: one with diagonal "shinogi" patterns, another called "Nawame" (rope-eye) which creates a warm, knitted-like texture by carving vertical lines and then finely carving diagonally into the remaining parts, and the "Hana Shinogi" (flower shinogi) series, which appears as if flowers are blooming brightly.

Masanori Yamamoto's tableware, fusing Shigaraki ware tradition with unique sensibility
Masanori Yamamoto's tableware, created in a traditional kiln inherited from his grandfather, carries on the tradition of Shigaraki ware while being crafted with his unique sensibility. He produces various tableware such as rimmed plates, soup cups, curry plates, teacups, and mugs. By arranging a table with "shinogi" patterned items, a splendid impression can be created. Furthermore, his works are microwave and dishwasher safe, combining practicality for daily use with beauty, and are highly acclaimed for their design that enhances food. He focuses on preserving the subtle expressions and textures unique to handmade items, and providing tableware that is light and easy to handle.
