A method called ”casting”
Generally, when thinking of pottery, one would imagine kneading clay and shaping it on a potter’s wheel. However, Nagae is an artist who uses a technique called ”casting”. It is a method where the clay is mixed with sodium silicate and other substances to make liquid, which is then poured into a plaster mold. The method was imported from Europe in the Meiji period, so it is a relatively new technique in the history of Japanese pottery. Unlike shaping by hand or pottery wheel, this method allows mass production of evenly shaped pieces, so it is now used by many workshops. Nagae’s family workshop also made pottery using this method.
Taking advantage of the distortion
Nagae had issues with mass production aimed at creating pieces that were thin and even. After much consideration, he began to create porcelain pieces with unique curves and thin, delicate shapes, taking advantage of the characteristic of porcelain to become distorted when baked. This is Nagae’s current style. His works have won the grand prize at the International Porcelain Triennale in Switzerland, and are highly acclaimed worldwide.
He makes not only artistic pieces, but also pieces that can be used in everyday life. The noble shapes, and suave color of white definitely catch the eye when placed on the dining table. The delicate porcelain pieces without any excessive adornments will surely enhance the food that is served on them.
