COVERCHORD EXCLUSIVE
WHITE CERAMICS
Functional, unique pieces for every home
We asked eight talented ceramicists to create pieces on the theme “white”
Showcasing a collection of vessels with distinctive artistic styles
4月15日 (土)発売
White.
It is a color that evokes scenes of brightness, joy, and hope, but also of transience and sadness.
It is a strong color that remains unstained by shadows, representing both beginnings and endings, a color that possesses the power to conjure up diverse emotions and feelings.
COVERCHORD chose “white” as the theme for its latest collaboration with eight artists and workshops.
Each artist has tackled the color white in their own way, employing different materials, techniques, textures, shades of white, and forms to express their unique style.
The resulting pieces are an exquisite collection of white vessels that are now presented together for the first time. With such a variety of white vessels on display, there is sure to be the right piece for you and your home.
These vessels possess a charm that grows with use, effortlessly blending with any color scheme, and exuding a gentle and inviting ambiance that complements home decor.
4月15日 (土)発売
mushimegane books.
The tactile experience of picking up one of mushimegane books.’ ceramics is akin to discovering a beautifully formed stone on a journey. These pieces, created by ceramic artist Misa Kumabuchi at her Hyogo Prefecture studio, are inspired by the themes of people and sound. Each piece is a testament to Kumabuchi's skilled craftsmanship, boasting exquisite details and beautiful “kannyu” crackle patterns in the glaze. Beyond their practicality as everyday tableware, these pieces also have a stunning aesthetic that makes them ideal for use as interior decor. They add a touch of refined elegance to any space.
Misa Kumabuchi
Graduated from Tajimi City Design Institute in Gifu Prefecture. Worked at a design firm and an organic food-related company. Currently runs a studio in Hyogo Prefecture.
Artist Comment
I associate the word "white," with brightness and softness.
I hope you enjoy the various white vessels I have created.
MAHITO KUDO POTTER
Located in Ajigaura, Ibaraki prefecture, the Kudo family has been operating their workshop for 30 years, nestled between the mountains and the sea. With his wife (and cat), Mahito Kudo embodies the spirit of a true artisan, crafting functional pottery characterized by powerful vitality and energy. The pottery is coated with a matte white glaze that has a subtle yellow hue. Kudo's attention to detail is evident in his efforts to create wares that are easy to clean and maintain. His caring and kind personality shines through as he imagines the users of his pottery while working the potter's wheel.
Mahito Kudo
Born in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo in 1958. Raised in Kabukicho, Shinjuku.
Dropped out of Waseda University in 1980 and began studying pottery in Tokoname, Aichi.
Studied craftwork in Spain, Iran, and India, in 1984
Started pottery making in Azuma-cho, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 1987.
Artist Comment
Throughout history, white ceramics have been known for their ability to enhance the presentation of food.
Just like with clothing, white has a strong contrast with other colors, and depending on how it is paired, it can radiate a vibrant brightness, making white the ultimate color.
However, because of this strong contrast, both for ceramics and clothing, extra care is necessary when using them in everyday life.
Personally, I prefer a slightly yellowish white over a cool, blue-tinted white.
I also strive to create ceramics with a slightly dull, less conspicuous white that can hide dirt and stains.
For this particular piece, I used a thick glaze made from ingredients such as titanium, magnesia, and silica to achieve a matte finish on the red clay that has a high iron content. As a result, the iron in the clay penetrates the glaze, creating a yellowish tint that gives the piece a unique and lovely character.
MAHO HARADA
Maho Harada creates her ceramics using the traditional technique of "neriage," to express striking geometric patterns in usually vibrant colors. She probably never expected to be challenged with the theme of "white”… (Thank you for accepting the challenge, Maho-san!). Despite the difficulty of the task, the resulting pottery is a unique fusion of Harada Maho's signature style and interpretation of "white" as a representation of pearls and the sea. The pottery has a modern Nordic craft feel and incorporates the traditional beauty of Japanese patterns. It is a rare and exquisite example of the precision and beauty accomplished by “neriage” in white.
Born in Kumamoto in 1977.
Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic Technical College in 1999 and joined the studio of Yūsuke Aida.
Established her kiln in Kumamoto in 2001.
Artist Comment
White is a foundation color.
I consider white to be changeable depending on its surroundings, and for this work, my image was of pearls.
Depending on the type and the angle of light, white seems to spread softly.
It is quite ironic that the theme for this challenge is “white”, given that the “neriage" technique creates patterns by combining colored clays. By focusing on the color white, I was able to create a piece that can be enjoyed by taking a longer look.
YASUHIRO SASAKI
We requested the white marble series from Sasaki Yasuhiro, who creates traditional craftwork pottery with a contemporary outcome. The beautiful white color is created by the local soil, using traditional “kakeawase” layered Mashiko-yaki glaze. The modern appearance born from the traditional technique and Sasaki's sensibility is unusual and impressive.
Yasuhiro Sasaki
Born in 1981. Studied at Mashiko Pottery Center.
Currently creating pottery in Motegi Town, next to Mashiko.
Has been creating "white vessels" for the past two years.
Artist Comment
When I think of white, what comes to mind is space. I believe that the distribution of this space can highlight or strengthen the impression of an object, weaken it, and even express one's personality. I feel that this concept also applies to the relationship between dishes and cuisine.
A lively and varied atmosphere outcome can be created, even through gathering just various shades of white.
Shiho Takada
This is the first time we are offering the works of Shiho Takada, a Kyoto-based artist who specializes in the "sumitsuragi” technique. Her pieces, such as the lipped plate with a pinched edge and the flower-shaped small bowl, give different impressions depending on the angle from which they are viewed. Along with the elegance of their refined forms, the bluish tint of their color carries a sense of fragility and delicacy. These pieces evoke a wabi-sabi aesthetic and are particularly suited to enjoying Japanese cuisine.
Shiho Takada
Born in Nara Prefecture in 1977.
Entered the Kyoto Ceramic Technical School in 2001.
Currently working as a ceramic artist in Kameoka, Kyoto.
Artist Comment
I love white flowers and end up planting only white flowering trees and plants in my garden. I think white is calming, it’s my favorite color.
The charcoal-inlaid pottery has a gray tint that slightly permeates through the white.
Each piece has a unique linear pattern, and I hope people can enjoy their one-of-a-kind beauty.
YOSUKE KOMATSUNO
Based in Amakusa, Kumamoto, ceramic artist Yosuke Komatsuno is known for his block, pop-colored pieces. However, the combination of his soup cup's plump and endearing shape with the white texture worked with this theme, so we requested for him to make white versions of his popular curry/pasta plates and versatile bowls. Functional and compatible with a variety of dining scenes, these unique forms make a statement in any kitchen.
Yosuke Komatsuno
Born in 1966 in Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Learned pottery techniques and knowledge of materials at Maruo-yaki and Togyo (ceramic material store).
2000: Selected for the 21st Century Art Award in the sculpture category.
2001, 2003: Received the Grand Prize in the Ceramic Town Development Award.
2003: Established his own studio, "Yoyo Kiln".
2007: Received the Katsuhiko Hibino Award at the AMAKUSA Ceramic Art Exhibition.
2008: Selected for the Yokkaichi Ceramic and Pottery Competition 2008.
Artist Comment
Because vessels are inherently simple and universal objects, I want to create vessels that really reflect me.
This is the feeling that emerged from this “White Ceramics” project.
Atsushi Funakushi
This is the first time we are offering pottery from Atsushi Funakushi, who is based in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. His pieces are characterized by the texture of the local soil, which is firmly reflected in the pottery. The simple and refined white ceramics enhances the beauty of any dish.
Atsushi Funakushi
Born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Studied under Yoshiki Sakai and graduated from the Ibaraki Ceramics Institute's Glaze course.
In 2009, he established his own kiln in Kasama City.
Tokuro Takimoto
Tokuro Takimoto is a ceramicist from Tsuno-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture, an area surrounded by rich nature. He has been a popular artist at our store for a long time. This time, we asked him to make a "Kohiki" pottery with a wheat ear pattern. It is lightweight yet has a strong presence when held, making it a unique and accentuated vessel that adds to one's daily life.
Tokuro Takimoto
Born in Miyazaki Prefecture in 1974.
Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita College of Ceramics in 1995.
Completed the sculpture foundation course at KOBATAKE Studio in 2000.
From 2000 to 2002, participated in the Youth Overseas Cooperation Corps and worked as a lecturer in the ceramics department at the National Art Center of El Salvador.
From 2003 to 2006, created pottery and held exhibitions in Mexico City.
From 2006 to 2011, worked in stage art and theme park art production.
In 2011, opened "Shiramizu Workshop" in Tsuno-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture.
Artist Comment
I find the different tones and depths of the white glaze used in Kohiki pottery fascinating.
Its unique texture is a characteristic of ceramics that can't be found in any other material.
WHITE CERAMICS EXHIBITION
at ROOTS to BRANCHES
An exhibition featuring the white ceramics showcased in this special feature will be held at ROOTS to BRANCHES, Tokyo, allowing visitors to see and feel the pieces in person. Please stop by and take a look.
at ROOTS to BRANCHES
Friday, May 13th – Sunday, May 21st 11:00 - 19:00
ROOTS to BRANCHES
1-15-9 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan
Website_roots-to-branches.jp
Instagram_@roots_to_branches
