Kisarigeki Kiln is a pottery kiln that uses materials mainly from within Iwate Prefecture to create pottery that brings out the best of the materials.
Using a variety of techniques, they skillfully express the beauty of the Iwate region in their pottery. The warmth and strength of the clay and the ease of use in everyday life make their pottery a must-see.

A studio that produces warmth

Morioka City is located in the center of Iwate Prefecture. The Takamatsu Pond there is known as a swan flying site. Yuichi Yukinoura’s pottery studio, Kisaragi Kiln, is located on a hill adjacent to the pond. Mr. Yukinoura studied mathematics in the Faculty of Education at Iwate University, but majored in art as a minor. He studied classical painting, including frescoes, and after graduating from the mathematics department, he took a special art course and studied pottery in Nopporo, Hokkaido.

When Nakata commented on the “softness” of the tableware and other pieces lined up in the studio, Yukinoura said, “I am often told that they are warm. Indeed, the works on the shelves all have a simple warmth that comes from the relaxed nature of the clay. Yukinoura creates such tableware every day, which would be comforting to have on one’s dining table.

Using Local Products from Iwate

The dishes are only as good as the people who use them, ” says Yukinoura. I think it’s no good if you can’t make everyday tableware,” he says. Although he sometimes creates so-called “works of art” for exhibitions, at the core of his work is his commitment to making everyday vessels. This feeling can be sensed in the fact that he creates dishes that are not only stylish in appearance, but also easy to use.

Yukinoura also makes ceramics using as much as possible materials from Iwate, such as soil and ash. Most of his pottery is made of clay from Tono, Hanamaki, and Shiwa, but he also blends in a little fire-resistant Shigaraki clay for strength. He also uses apple ash to create a unique texture by layering the ash glaze over and over again in varying proportions to give it a glass-like thickness. Lacquer is also used as a glaze for ceramics. The surface of the finished piece is then lacquered with lacquer to prevent it from absorbing moisture during use.

He searches for materials in the wide area of Iwate Prefecture and always enjoys variations of clay. He is constantly experimenting with how to make the most of its completely different expressions.

Nakata is also fascinated by the pottery experience.

Yukinoura-san uses a variety of techniques, including rokuro (potter’s wheel), hand-building, and mold making, but this time, he allowed us to try our hand at making pottery using the tatara technique. The tatara technique is a method of forming a sheet of dough into a shape. It is a different and more difficult process than using a potter’s wheel, where a lump of clay is formed into a shape.

The shape must be changed slowly and gradually during the molding process, or else it will become distorted. Also, if the force applied for shaping is not uniform, tempering will occur during the firing process, which is another cause of deformation.

Nakata also took advice on how to shape the pieces little by little. He found himself so absorbed in the process that he ended up making two bowls and even a flat plate. Once the molding is done, the final step is to put a pattern on it and it is done. We are looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Ms. Yukinoura is trying to convey the simple and warm presence of clay that we have almost forgotten through her works. The design of his tableware, coupled with his desire to convey this warmth, will become a part of our daily lives.

I work hard every day, hoping that the works of Kisaragi Kiln will enrich the lives of those who use them. I hope that my works will enrich the lives of people who use them.

The post Pottery that brings warmth to everyday life: ceramic artist Yuichi Yukinoura / Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan first appeared on NIHONMONO.

A traditional Nambu ironware workshop that has been in existence for about 400 years since the Edo period.
One of its features is its beautiful, lean form and deep rust color.
Its high design and coloring blend well with modern life and give
a noble impression.

Female craftsmen carrying on a 400-year tradition

Suzuki Morihisa Kobo, located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, has a 400-year history of supporting Nambu ironware since the Edo period. The company was founded in 1625 and continues to produce Nambu ironware using traditional techniques. The Suzuki family has served the Nanbu domain as foundry workers for generations, and now there are 15 generations in the family.

The person we interviewed this time is Ms. Shiko Kumagai, who succeeded the name of Morihisa Suzuki, the 15th generation. She is attracting attention as the first female craftsman among the successive generations. Before becoming a foundry worker, Shieko studied metal engraving. However, after her father passed away, she decided to follow in his footsteps. Her experience as a metal engraver has led to the delicate, graceful patterns of her current works. Among his works, tetsubin (iron kettles) are especially popular. On the day of our visit, we had a chance to see each of his newly finished tetsubin one by one.

Stylish Nambu tetsubin that can be displayed as interior decorations

The traditional “Hinomaru” tetsubin was designed in the Meiji era. Compared to modern kettles and kyusu (teapots), ordinary Nambu tetsubin have a sturdier and heavier impression. However, Ms. Shieko Kumagai’s work has a feminine originality, while retaining the sense of massiveness that is unique to Nambu ironware. The unusual vertical stripes and handball patterns of her designs are surprisingly light. Although they are traditional handicrafts, Shieko’s Nambu ironware is also loved as interior decorations that add color to modern life.

Next, we were taken to the workshop, which is connected to the gallery. We passed through a dimly lit passageway to the workshop, a machiya-style building that has remained unchanged since its construction in 1885. Currently, Shiko Suzuki, her son Seiro, the 16th generation successor, and his young apprentices are working at the Suzuki Morihisa Workshop.

The entire process of making Nambu ironware, from designing the tetsubin, to making the molds, to pouring the iron, is carried out in this workshop. The techniques passed down from generation to generation make it possible to create both delicate and massive tetsubin.

Traditional craftsmanship begins with the overall form.

At the workshop, Nakata was allowed to experience the process of “pattern pressing,” in which traditional Japanese patterns are applied to the molds. Using arare sticks of different sizes, he pressed the patterns onto the molds. Nakata’s sighs could be heard as he was unable to apply the patterns evenly. But Shieko says, “On the contrary, that’s what makes it interesting.

The conversation gradually turns to the perspective of “craftsmanship. While working, Nakata asked, “For example, now that you have given me this pattern, do you start making something from the pattern or from the overall form? Or do you start from the overall form? Nakata asked. Nakata said that he started from the form when he created a work for the REVALUE NIPPON PROJECT in which he participated.

Shieko said that she often starts from the form as well. It is true that many of the tetsubin we saw at the gallery have attractive shapes. A comfortable form is born in each era and each time. We look forward to seeing more of Shieko’s work as she continues to explore new possibilities for Nambu ironware while preserving the 400-year tradition.

While firmly preserving the traditions passed down in my family from generation to generation, I produce Nambu ironware that is both practical and playful, with a design that is in tune with the times. We hope that you will take one of our products in your hands and enjoy the benefits of living with Nambu ironware.

The post Nambu ironware with a design that fits in with the modern age: Shieko Kumagai, 15th generation of Suzuki Morihisa Kobo / Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture first appeared on NIHONMONO.