The adorable animals are drawn with flowing brush strokes. It is as if they are playing freely in the vessel and talking to you. Every time you use it, your heart warms and you can't help but pick it up. These vessels with such warmth are produced in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture.
Ms. Hino's pottery depicts a world where animals live happily. They hold small flowers dearly, and you can almost hear conversations in the candlelight ... it's like a scene from a fairy tale. Each piece expands the imagination of the person who holds it, quietly spinning a story.
"When I was little, there were over 200 illustrated books and picture books at home , and I was engrossed in flipping through their pages. I enjoyed being drawn into the world of the stories. I think my memories of that time have influenced my current style of writing."
Ms. Hino says that the fun reading experiences of her childhood are the starting point of his work. Recently, he has also been drawing inspiration from old documents and illustrated books he comes across in art museums and libraries.
She first encountered pottery in the ceramics club at university. Although she was not good at using tools or machines, she was attracted to the appeal of ceramics, which allows you to touch the clay directly and create shapes using only the sense of touch. The pottery that is created in this way is comfortable to hold in your hand and blends naturally into your life.
"I want to create vessels that will soothe the user and bring a smile to their face. So I draw the animals with expressions that are calm and gentle."
This cat is in a relaxed, laid-back mood. It makes you smile.
The tableware that Hino creates is not only adorable, but also easy to use. The edges are thin and the thickness is just right, so the feel when you hold it in your hand is also important. The handles of the mugs are also designed to be easy to pick up, and the pieces are made through repeated trial and error, even down to the smallest details. The glaze is also smooth and has little crazing, so it does not soak easily, and is easy to clean.
In your daily life, when you happen to look over at these adorable pieces of pottery, they will smile at you. You will feel their warmth every time you pick them up, and the more you use them, the more you will love them. Ms. Hino's pottery will quietly accompany you in your daily life, as if weaving fond memories, and will eventually become a precious companion that you can enjoy every day with.
Click here for works by Ms. Saori Hino