During the lockdown period in the UK, we faced a quite hard situation as other people, businesses, and institutions did. Japan also confronted the difficulties at the same time. Our business partners there have been strongly affected by the economic turn-down.

We decided to venture on a trip to Japan to meet artists. We were sure it was vital to listen to their voice directly and talk about the future at this time. We chose two regions, Shigaraki and Bizen, from the six ancient kilns which are regarded as the most noteworthy long-established kilns in Japan.

We are pleased to announce that we have agreed to collaborate with two artists during our trip. We are excited to introduce their works.

Shigaraki

We went to Shigaraki at first. Shigaraki is a town deep in the mountains. The region the town located was famous for Ninja during the later medieval era.

We visited an artist-led studio which aims to create a new contemporary style of Shigaraki ware. In there, we could meet and talk with Fukuoka Yuri (Please click the link) and luckily with Ueda Yuji who is working with Kaikai KiKi Gallery led by Takashi Murakami.

Bizen

Our next destination was Bizen. The heartland of Bizen ware, renowned of its traditional unglazed style, is Imbe town.

We visited Ishida Kazuya’s studio (Please click the link). He is one of the most talented YBAs (Young Bizen Artists) who have collaborated with Oxford University to build an “Anagama“ kiln.

We also went to the YBAs exhibition in Tenmaya Gallery in Okayama.

(11 August 2020)