素材の技 縞石

Material Techniques: "Shimaishi"(Striped Stone)

A uniquely striped ceramic stone called ‘shimaishi’ is found in Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture. The stone’s distinctive stripes are the remains of underground water flow caused by hydrothermal activity of magma 14 million years ago. Originally it was said that the grade of this stone was not high due to its high iron content and peculiar appearance when used in pottery, but in recent years, in order to avoid resource depletion, a technique has been developed to remove the iron from this ‘shimaishi’ to create a brilliant white clay.

TRACE/Black

This series uses plain striped ‘shimaishi’ stone, from which iron has not been removed, as the base material.

TRACE/White

This series uses plain striped ‘shimaishi’ stone, from which iron has not been removed, as the base material. Iron removed from other ‘shimaishi’ stones is then mixed into the surface glaze to create a pattern, forging a new purpose for iron that was originally destined to be discarded.   * Glaze is a glass-like coating that is applied to a vessel before it is fired in a kiln. Various glazing techniques have been developed by different artists to enhance the sturdiness, luster, and color of their work through applying this medium.

手描きの技 筆書き

Hand-drawn technique: Brush Painting

彫りの技 カンナ

Carving Techniques: "Kanna"

釉薬の技 掛け分け

Glaze Techniques: "Kakewake"

釉薬の技 蛍手(ほたるで)

Glaze Techniques: "Hotarude"

素材の技 半磁器

Material Technique: Semi-Porcelain

波佐見の陶器

Hasami Pottery