Pottery by Takuji Hayashi

As my Japanese creative showcase slowly dwindles I’m left with a mixed batch of feelings, one being attached to the amount of amazing individuals working in different creative arts in Japan, the other relating to the disappointment across this side of the pond in terms of variety. It becomes pretty apparent that a lot of these woodworkers, ceramicists, and craftsman in general work full time on their occupation in Japan, to hone ones skills. Here you don’t see that as much, most people do it as a hobby, and the work tends to be less consistent in my eyes, maybe of lesser quality, but what’s interesting is the publics perception of craftwork. Here for example people will buy more mass produced items from bigger chains where as the Japanese see some value in promoting and accepting quality, buying more with touch, feel and aesthetic taste. It would be great to see more people over in Europe really getting an eye for what’s behind the items that they purchase and if they’re necessary at all in their life, now more than ever we need to make some big adjustments in terms of lifestyle, but I guess that’s a whole different debate in itself.

Obviously my quest isn’t fully over, Japan is a massive inspiration and it will always have a special place in my heart, ever since I was a kid I’ve dreamt of visiting and exploring. Its simplistic nature and zen attitude is what draws me back to it time after time, and hopefully we’ll be able to represent some of our favourite creatives from Japan over here in England sometime in the near future, I’m looking forward to expanding our range and working with some great people to get the word out.

Todays post was one that I pulled out of the hat in some ways, it was quite a random find but the final imagery that I came across was so enticing it was impossible not to place on the blog for all of you to admire. These pieces were created by an artist that goes by the name of Takuji Hayashi, Takuji makes vessels for function and likes to create objects that blend in with the everyday lives of the people that use them. This specific series involves ceramics and the soil from the Seto mountains in Aichi Prefecture where he lives, works and creates. The surface of the pottery turns this red-brown colour because the soil contains a lot of iron, basically distorting the pieces and giving them a stunning texture and a dazzle of character.

To be honest I’m really in awe of these items, I’ve been working on pots myself at a local workshop where I live and creating items like these are in no way easy. Getting this deep into the process myself has given me a whole new respect for the craft and its avenues. Hopefully you’ll join me and head across to the website to see more, a lot of the products on this web shop titled Furari really blew me away. Have a great weekend.

www.furari.shop-pro.jp

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