Work in Progress
Sometsuke YakEugene Kangawa, EUGENE STUDIO
Seto Sometsuke Yaki, Aichi Prefecture
Seto Sometsuke Yaki is a ceramic ware produced near Seto and Owariasahi in Aichi Prefecture. This white bisque-fired pottery is known for its realistic and delicate designs, painted using indigo-colored pigment. Its origins can be traced to the early 19th century when porcelain firing techniques were introduced from Kyushu, and the art of Nanga-style painting was adopted, leading to significant development. These painting techniques gained international acclaim at the World Expos in Paris and Vienna, even influencing the Art Nouveau movement in Europe.
Designer
Eugene Kangawa, EUGENE STUDIO
Contemporary artist, known for his large-scale installations and paintings. Held his solo exhibition 'EUGENE STUDIO After the Rainbow' (2021-22) at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT) and exhibited in 'de-sport' at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and '89+' at the Serpentine Gallery (London), among others. The exhibition at MOT made him the youngest ever to hold a solo show at the museum. In 2026, a permanent museum based on this exhibition is planned to open at the foot of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bali.
Artisan
Mayuki Kato, Shingama
The fourth-generation head of Shingama, a kiln specializing in Seto Sometsuke Yaki. Born in 1981 in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, as the eldest daughter in the family. After studying ceramic design at the Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center, she joined the family business. In 2021, she was officially certified as a Traditional Crafts Artisan of Seto Sometsuke Yaki. Actively presenting works and conducting workshops both in Japan and internationally, she preserves the traditional techniques of Seto Sometsuke Yaki while exploring contemporary designs and new expressions of "sometsuke," integrating them into modern lifestyles.