FEATURE

COVERCHORD LIFESTYLE

Better Living with Artisanal Design

In an age dominated by soulless mass-production, quality handcrafted artisanal goods are a shining light.

In this series of articles, COVERCHORD showcases a selection of our artisanal products and introduces the people, places, and ideas behind them.

In this first installment, we present six ceramicists of daily-use homeware.

While standardized mass-production may provide the convenience and cheap abundance desired for a fast-paced modern lifestyle, the inherent quality and depth of character of expertly crafted artisanal products cannot be produced en-masse.

Handcrafted products bring both function and beauty into our everyday lives.

Each such product has a story behind it - the artisan’s inspiration and toil that results in something that truly is unique in this world.

In this series, we will introduce the people, places, and thoughts behind a selection of COVERCHORD’s offering of artisanal goods.

For the opening piece, we introduce six producers of daily-use ceramics.

TOKURO TAKIMOTO

Tokuro Takimoto crafts his daily-use ceramics surrounded by the picturesque nature of Miyakono-cho in Miyazaki Prefecture.

"I want my products to become familiar to the user's hands, and for the colors and textures to bring them happiness in some way.”

His works include cups with wheat motifs, and perfectly-formed, matte-texture teapots. There is a unique warmth to Takimoto’s earthenware, with the color gradation of his red and black iron-glazed pieces, particularly eye-catching.

The bowls and plates are light in the hand making them easy to use while bringing a warm elegance to the dining table.

Tokuro Takimoto

1974 - Born in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
1995 - Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Pottery College.
2000 - Completed the basic course in sculpture at Kobatake Kobo.
2000-2002 - Joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and worked as a lecturer in the Ceramics Department at the National Art Center of El Salvador.
2003-2006 - Worked as a ceramic artist and held exhibitions in Mexico City.
2006-2011 - Engaged in art production for stage art, theme parks, etc.
2011 - Opened Hakusui Studio in Miyakono-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture.

TOKURO TAKIMOTO

MAHO HARADA

The geometric patterns and vivid color palette of Maho Harada ceramics make her work immediately recognizable.

Employing a technique called “Neri-age,” Harada kneads pigments into clay to create her original colors. Patterns are formed by cutting strips and combining them in molds. Neri-age is said to require more patience than any other ceramic-making technique.

Harada’s pieces are carefully produced one by one in Kumamoto Prefecture. They have a unique appearance that combines modern Scandinavian aesthetics with traditional Japanese patterns. No two pieces are the same.

MAHO HARADA

1977 - Born in Kumamoto.
1999 - Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Pottery College and joined Yusuke Aida Laboratory.
2001 - Established independent studio in Kumamoto.

MAHO HARADA

RYUJI MIYATA

Based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, one of Japan’s foremost ceramic hubs, Ryuji Miyata uses a mixture of local clays and porcelain to produce his works.

Finishing with traditional Mashiko-Yaki glazes, Miyata’s ceramics are characterized by their elegant designs and unique detailing.

Ryuji Miyata

1976 - Born in Tokyo, Japan.
1999 - Studied under Shugo Takauchi.
2006 - Opened independent studio in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture.

RYUJI MIYATA

MAHITO KUDO POTTER

MAHITO KUDO POTTER is a studio based in Ajigaura, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Born to a father who collected furniture and a mother who was an antique art dealer, Kudo was exposed to Scandinavian craftsmanship and antique art from a young age, as is evident in the colors and robust characteristics seen in his work.

In his twenties, Kudo traveled the world, an experience that informs the broad range of daily-use ceramics he produces to this day.

The use of deep cobalt blue hues is a quintessential feature of Kudo’s works.

MAHITO KUDO

1958 - Born in Akasaka, Tokyo. Grew up in Kabukicho, Shinjuku.
1980 - Dropped out of Waseda University.
1980 - Trained as a potter in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture.
1984 - Studied crafts in Spain, Iran, and India.
1987 - Began making pottery in Ajigaura, Ibaraki.

MAHITO KUDO POTTER

HANAKO SAKASHITA

Based in one of Japan’s traditional ceramic epicenters - Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture - ceramic artist Hanako Sakashita is known for her beautiful patterns and bold use of color.

Employing the “Neri-age” method, Sakashita kneads pigments into clay to create original colors and unique patterns.

Bold and playful, Sakashita’s pieces are the perfect accompaniment for a light-hearted moment at home.

Hanako Sakashita

1976 - Born in Hino City, Tokyo.
1998 - Graduated from Musashino Art University.
2003 - Graduated from Aichi Prefectural College of Ceramics / Worked at Mashiko Pottery.
2011 - Began employing Neri-age techniques for her work

HANAKO SAKASHITA

FUTOSHI YAMASHIYA

Futoshi Yamashita starts his ceramic works by excavating raw materials from Japan’s largest active volcano, Mount Aso.

At his studio in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, he utilizes clays rich with various lava, volcanic ash, and rock to create pieces that showcase the natural textures and colors of his natural habitat.

Combined with strong, angular shapes and soft, organic curves, each piece is crafted to reflect the natural world around us.

Futoshi Yamashita

1973 - Born in Fukuoka, Japan
1995~1996 - Traveled across Asia, Europe, and Japan.
1997~2001 - Trained at Koishiwara Pottery.
2002~2022 - Opened Asobogama Pottery, and has been working there ever since.