We will start handling the works of Aiko Takasu, who is making pottery in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture! A lovely design coexists in a chic atmosphere that looks like black leather. We talked about various things such as production.
“First and foremost, a tableware should play a supporting role. I make tableware with the aim of gently supporting the food, which is the main character of the dish. The pattern on the back of the bowl is for those who clean up after themselves.”
When I talk with Ms. Takasu, there are many moments where I can feel that kind of thoughtfulness, and there are many moments that warm my heart.
Ms. Takasu, who is from Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, first encountered pottery when he often traveled alone to Kyoto when he was a university student. It was the morning white round pot.
“The old round jar is heavy, has a missing mouth, and is dirty, but it makes me want to hug it and rub it against my cheek. For the first time in my life, I was conscious of ''. I'm sure this pot will accept any kind of plant, and I'd be happy if I had a vessel like this around me.''
From the encounter with the old pot, which is the starting point, the classroom where you can make a potter's wheel and the encounter with the teacher overlap, and you can start pottery. Later, I received guidance from Ms. Taeko Okimoto of Fuki Kiln. Built a kiln in Fukuoka City. About 20 years ago, he moved his workshop to Itoshima, Fukuoka.
Despite her long career, his ambition regarding pottery making remained unchanged, and in order to return to his roots, he received potter's wheel instruction in Arita-cho, Saga Prefecture, and traveled to Kyoto to learn decorative techniques. Ms. Takasu's sincere approach to each work and production has not changed even though he has been doing ceramics for a long time.
Well, let's introduce the work!
Depending on the work, different production techniques are used, such as potter's wheel, hand forming, and tatara board making.
The small cloth is decorated with the Itchin technique, which involves squeezing out white makeup clay with a tool like a dropper.
It is produced using a scraping technique in which the clay is applied with makeup and a pattern is applied to the clay with a needle-like tool. I make all the vessels with the intention of making them one-of-a-kind. The individuality of each piece gives a very warm impression that is unique to handmade products.
The production starts with the design. At that time, always imagine that the tableware you make will complement any dish on the dining table. And after making many prototypes, they put various dishes on it for a certain period of time, actually use it, and test how it looks and can be used in their daily lives before it is released as a work.
“I create with the hope that you can use it in your daily life.The design evolves and degenerates in the entire series. Please forgive me for being selfish,” Takasu said.
I would like you to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime encounter with each work that is born from time to time, because it is a creator who is overflowing with creative motivation and energy.
Ms. Takasu is best known for his black pottery, but the other day he showed me a prototype of a white pottery. I think that we will be able to offer it at our store for the next sale, so I hope you enjoy it as well.
(Ms. Takasu, thank you very much for your concern. I am looking forward to your future works!)
Click here for a list of works handled by Aiko Takasu
