Information on the "Exhibition of Ceramic Artist Yoji Yamada"

At this time of year, the trees on the earth are turning yellow and the shadows are deepening.

As I munch on citrus fruits full of the sun's blessings, I am truly reminded that we are alive thanks to the cycle of nature.

At the end of last year, we started introducing a permanent display of the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year.

This will be the first time that we will be holding an exhibition of works by ceramic artist Yoji Yamada .

Last month, I visited Yamada's studio in Shigaraki, Shiga.

Five years ago he built a new home with a workshop and a new kiln, and now he lives and works in one place.

Since we visited on a Sunday, two children were playing and helping their father with his work area.

Yamada used to make pottery in England, and is famous for his slipware, a traditional British decorative technique.

Slipware is a technique in which a base material is decorated with a cream-like slip. The slip is applied to lukewarm fabric, and then patterns are added on top of it using a tube or brush, or scratched with a comb, to create a variety of beautiful designs.

The first Yamada piece I purchased was a large slipware piece that is heat resistant, so I use it frequently for things like making gratin in the oven.

This exhibition, being the first at Utsushiki, will feature a wide variety of works, including slipware.

Since it's the cold winter season, we've asked for lots of clay pots.

I would love for you to try out some of the yellow-glazed pots with their chunky, round silhouettes.

On the first and second days, we will be distributing numbered tickets depending on the situation, so please check our website and social media.

Please come and join us for this special opportunity to conclude 2024.