Clad in Light Faceted Matcha Bowl

Clad in Light Faceted Matcha Bowl by Seto ware artist Taruta Hiroshi is a piece defined by quiet refinement. Delicately formed and washed in a pale celadon-green hue, the bowl carries a light, graceful presence. Taruta employs the traditional hotarude technique, carving thin diagonal slits across the surface. Building on this technique, he further refines the exterior by adding faceted cuts around the carved grooves. A sense of rhythm and dimensional depth enrich the form with a composed, sculptural presence.

The technique known as hotarude—literally “firefly technique”—traditionally involves carving delicate openings in porcelain and coating them with a translucent glaze. The effect allows light to pass through the vessel while maintaining a seamless surface, creating points of illumination reminiscent of fireflies glimmering in a silk-dark night.

Beyond the intricacy of the carved work, the glaze plays an essential role in shaping the bowl's luminous character. Taruta began working with the glaze during his apprenticeship and has since gradually developed its formulation over many years. Through careful adjustments to both glaze composition and firing conditions, he achieved a balance of color and translucency that allows the surface to glow softly while preserving the clarity of the carved lines.

Subtle ridges and recesses created by the cutouts add a distinctive tactile quality, while the finely applied glaze lends the bowl a velvety feel. As it is turned, shifting light reveals layers of silken sheen, inviting the eye to linger on the dialogue among form, texture, and light.

Taruta Hiroshi

Taruta Hiroshi is a Seto ware artist specializing in hotarude, an openwork technique in which cutouts are carved in clay, then filled with translucent glaze before firing. Working with porcelain and pale celadon glaze, Taruta thus creates landscapes of light with each delicate incision. He brings an innovative approach to his work, seeking out new modes of expression as he pushes the boundaries of hotarude. His elegant vessels foster interactions between space and light that bring a sense of wonder and quiet mystery.

Seto Ware

Made in and around Seto City in Aichi Prefecture, Seto ware encompasses a wide range of ceramics that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and innovation. As one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (Rokkoyo), the Seto region holds a distinguished place in the country’s ceramic heritage. It was also a pioneer in porcelain mass-production, and its widespread use gave rise to the word setomono—a term still used today to refer to ceramics in general.

Remarkable for its stylistic breadth, Seto is one of the few regions in Japan where both stoneware and porcelain are made. From simple everyday tableware to more refined pieces, Seto ware continues to shape the rhythm of daily life with creations that balance tradition and creativity.