
Celebrating Women in Craft
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the courage, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. In the world of Japanese ceramics, many female artisans are breathing new life into the craft, allowing their unique brilliance to shine through their work.
The pieces these artisans create range from charming and whimsical to poised and dignified. While upholding traditional techniques, they skillfully integrate modern sensibilities, tirelessly pursuing a "new beauty." Born from their distinct perspectives, each vessel brings vitality and color to our daily lives.
Atelier Yu creates tableware that bring smiles with their unique soft colors, while continuing the Kutani ware legacy of the Kutani gosai, the traditional five colors.
Guided by the motto "deliciousness begins with the dish," these women artisans use a uniquely feminine freedom of expression to illustrate heartwarming patterns that bring joy to the dining table. While these works preserve tradition, they remain gently attuned to modern living, offering a sense of serenity to busy days and transforming ordinary meals into moments of true happiness.

Kutani Ware Workshop: The Art and Sound of Japanese Ceramics
Step inside serene Japanese Kutani ware ceramic workshops at Kokuzou Kiln and Atelier Yu in Ishikawa, where every movement of the potter’s wheel and every stroke of the brush tells a quiet story. This long-form ASMR documentary captures the full making process, from shaping clay on the wheel, to preparing the kiln, glazing, firing, and the intricate hand-painting that brings each piece to life. Immerse yourself in the calming beauty of Japanese pottery and discover the depth behind every Kutani ware piece.

The work of Higashi Kiln is distinguished by a glass-like smoothness and a delicate palette reminiscent of watercolor paintings. Ohigashi Alyne, an artist originally from the Philippines, has spent over thirty years in Japan breathing innovative life into the traditional craft of Tobe ware.
Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of plants and sea, her fresh and vivid designs are an expression of her personal philosophy. Each vessel is imbued with her wish for the user to find happiness and feel a rich sense of connection. Her pottery serves as a gentle adornment to the rituals of our everyday existence.

Tobe Ware & Objet d’Art: Inside Ohigashi Alyne’s Japanese Pottery Studio
Filmed on location in Tobe City, Ehime Prefecture, this video offers a rare look at the creative process behind Japanese ceramics that bridge craft and fine art. Watch as Alyne explains how she shapes, textures, and glazes her work to expand the horizons of traditional Tobe ware, bringing it to audiences around the world. Whether you’re passionate about Japanese pottery, porcelain art, or unique collectible sculptures, this studio tour and interview reveal the dedication and imagination that make Ohigashi Alyne’s creations truly unforgettable.

Founded in 1919, Singama is a historic kiln based in Seto. Their legacy began with patterns in sometsuke, the art of blue and white, atop ceramic bases that highlight the earthy character of Seto clay—a tradition of excellence they continue to this day.
The Blue Flower series, designed by the kiln’s women artisans, is characterized by a dewy indigo hue and a soft matte texture achieved through a unique firing method. Utilizing the traditional dami technique—where large brushes are used to apply flowing washes of cobalt pigment—the flowers exhibit a lush, watercolor-like gradation. The striking contrast between the pristine white and the deep indigo lends a refined elegance to any table setting.

Creating Timeless Blue-and-White Japanese Pottery with Cobalt Glaze
Watch as Kato Mayuki, 4th generation master of SINGAMA, hand-paints traditional Japanese pottery in the sometsuke style using cobalt oxide. In this behind-the-scenes look, you'll see how Seto ware is carefully crafted—starting with pattern transfers, delicate brushwork, and the use of rogo brushes to outline floral motifs. Each step reflects generations of refined technique and a deep respect for material and form.
Seto City in Aichi Prefecture is the historic center of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, and is known especially for its elegant blue-and-white designs. This video captures the quiet beauty of the process, from mixing the dense cobalt glaze to guiding it across simple, timeless forms. Discover how Kato carries on her family’s legacy while creating pieces that feel both traditional and bold—perfect for everyday use and display.
Filters
































































































