Masanori Yamamoto's "Shinogi Chopstick Rest Black" is a beautiful chopstick rest that combines the tradition of Shigaraki ware with Masanori Yamamoto's unique contemporary design.
The numerous delicately carved "shinogi" patterns are meticulously hand-carved one by one, adding color to the entire piece. This chopstick rest is conveniently shaped to also hold a spoon, and can be used not only as a chopstick rest but also to serve small portions of ginger, wasabi, or other condiments.
As each piece is handmade, there are individual differences in color and carving. The piece will deepen in color and luster with use, allowing you to enjoy a unique texture that becomes one-of-a-kind.
Meals served on Masanori Yamamoto's stylish tableware are sure to make your everyday life more cherished.
*As each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences.
*The black specks on the product are naturally occurring iron deposits in the clay that have been oxidized during firing. These are part of its character, so please compare the expressions of each piece and appreciate 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 Ceramic Arts course, Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Arts, Kyoto Seika University in 2009, where he thoroughly learned the basics of pottery. After that, he completed the Small Wheel Division at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in 2010 and gained practical experience working for a ceramic manufacturer.
Furthermore, in 2015, he completed the Clay and Glaze Division at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. He acquired deep knowledge and skills related to glazes and clay, which further enhanced the uniqueness of his works. Currently, he continues his ceramic work in Shigaraki Town, Shiga Prefecture, under the traditional family name "Kozan Gama" inherited from his grandfather.

Characteristics of Masanori Yamamoto's Works
Masanori Yamamoto's works are characterized by "shinogi" patterns, which are meticulously hand-carved one by one.The "shinogi" patterns are rhythmic and dynamic, giving the pottery a rich expression. There are three series: a series with diagonally applied "shinogi" patterns, a "Nawame" (rope pattern) series created by carving vertical lines and then finely carving diagonal lines into the remaining parts to produce a warm, knitted rope-like texture, and a "Hana Shinogi" (flower shinogi) series that appears as glamorous as blooming flowers.

Masanori Yamamoto's Tableware, Fusing Shigaraki Ware Tradition with Unique Sensibility
Masanori Yamamoto's pottery, created in the traditional kiln inherited from his grandfather, carries on the tradition of Shigaraki ware while being crafted with his unique sensibility. He creates various tableware such as rim plates, soup cups, curry plates, teacups, and mugs. By arranging a dining table with "shinogi" patterns, a glamorous impression can be given to the dining table. Furthermore, being microwave and dishwasher safe, his works combine practicality and beauty suitable for daily use, and their design, which enhances the appeal of food, is highly praised. He focuses on preserving the subtle expressions and textures unique to handmade items and providing light and easy-to-handle tableware.
