UTSUWA KATACHI - Japanese Ceramics and Forms

The book introduces 100 ceramics works by 28 artists, presented through photographs under the theme: Utsuwa(vessel); forms of the heart made in our hands.

The works are organized into the following categories: bowl, dish, larger bowl, teapot and tea cup, katakuchi (spouted vessel), sake ware, lidded vessel, and jar or vase. Rather than focusing soley on classifications based on origin, glaze , or firing method, the book explores the individual beauty expressed in each piece.

The closing section of the book contains interviews with Muraki Yuji, Murakami Yaku, and Ogata Atsushi. Featured artists include Anan Koreya, Kameta Daisuke, Hatta Toru and more.

Shoken Tomoo is a gallerist born in Hokkaido. In 2002, she opened her gallery Utsuwa Shoken Kamakura, where she curates themed exhibitions focusing on utsuwa (vessels) that convey the beauty of everyday ceramics.

She has served as a producer of The Wonder 500, a project developed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Her main publications include Utsuwa biyori -Perfect Day for Utsuwa and Hibi no Utsuwa – Utsuwa for Daily Life. Her major exhibitions incude TABERU and Utsuwa, Romantique at SFT Gallery in the National Art Center, Tokyo.