Masanori Yamamoto's "Shinogi Chopstick Rest in White" is a beautiful piece that blends the tradition of Shigaraki ware with his unique contemporary design.
The countless "shinogi" patterns, delicately carved one by one by hand, add color to the entire piece. Its convenient shape allows it to hold a spoon as well as chopsticks, and it can also be used to serve small portions of ginger, wasabi, or other condiments.
Because each piece is 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 that is one of a kind.
Dining with Masanori Yamamoto's stylish tableware is sure to make your daily life more cherished.
*As each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences.
*The black spots on the work are naturally occurring iron content remaining in the clay that has been oxidized by firing. This is part of their individuality, so please compare the expressions of each piece and enjoy the differences.
Artist Masanori Yamamoto - Tableware with Rhythmical and Dynamic "Shinogi" Patterns
Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1987, Masanori Yamamoto grew up in an environment steeped in ceramic traditions. 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. Subsequently, in 2010, he completed the Small-Scale Pottery Wheel Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Industrial Ceramics Institute, gaining practical experience through employment at a ceramic manufacturer.
Furthermore, in 2015, he completed the Glaze and Clay Body Course at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Industrial Ceramics Institute. He acquired deep knowledge and skills concerning glazes and clay bodies, imbuing his works with even greater individuality. Currently, in Shigaraki-cho, Shiga Prefecture, he continues his ceramic work under the inherited studio name "Kozan-gama" from his grandfather.

Characteristics of Masanori Yamamoto's Work
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 tableware a rich expression. There are three series: a series with diagonal "shinogi" patterns, a "Nawame" (rope pattern) series that creates a warm, knitted cable-like texture by carving vertical lines and then finely carving diagonal lines into the remaining areas, and a "Hana Shinogi" (flower shinogi) series that appears as brilliantly as blooming flowers.

Masanori Yamamoto's Tableware: A Fusion of Shigaraki Ware Tradition and Unique Sensibility
Masanori Yamamoto's ceramics, created in the traditional kiln inherited from his grandfather, carry on the tradition of Shigaraki ware while being crafted with his unique sensibility. He produces a variety of pieces, including rimmed plates, soup cups, curry plates, teacups, and mugs. By coordinating your table with "shinogi" patterns, you can create an impressive and elegant dining experience. Moreover, his works are microwave and dishwasher safe, combining practical utility with beauty suitable for everyday use, and their designs, which enhance food presentation, are highly acclaimed. He is dedicated to preserving the subtle expressions and textures unique to handmade items and providing lightweight, easy-to-handle tableware.
