Mami Furukawa creates simple, easy to use pottery in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. We spoke with her about her work and creative process.
Born in Aichi Prefecture, Furukawa’s journey into ceramics began when she studied crafts at university. While choosing a specialty from six different craft fields, she was drawn to pottery, where she could touch the material with her own hands and create works intuitively, leading her to choose it as her major without hesitation.
When asked about the appeal of pottery, she told us, "It remains, as it always has, the ability to touch it with my hands."
Touching the clay, shaping it, layering glazes, and firing it. Because these pieces are born from working by hand, each one possesses slight variations and unique character.
The soft colors and layering look as if they were gently painted with watercolors.
The charm lies in the hazy, clouded expression of the glaze, set against the calm tones of smoky colors and her original matte glaze.
When she first started pottery, she often looked through art books of Klee, using them as references for color combinations and imagery.
"It would be interesting if I could create this color."
"This pairing of colors side-by-side is lovely."
That curiosity about color continues to influence her work today.
It is not just the form and functionality that she values in her work.
She wants people to enjoy not only the simplicity of the pieces but also the interest created by how the glazes are applied and the way the colors harmonize.
Furthermore, she crafts each piece with the desire that they bring a sense of warmth to the user, whether they are just looking at them or actively using them.
Among her works, the earthenware pots and heat-resistant pottery are particularly popular.
They are sure to make casual moments amidst the steam of a meal even more enjoyable!
This is a heat-resistant bowl with handles. It’s perfect for dishes like gratin.
Furukawa also participates in the Mashiko Pottery Market every year. Her booth always has such a wonderful atmosphere.
While blending naturally into your daily dining table, these pieces make everyday meals feel just a little bit special. They are vessels that gently accompany you through the simple, casual days of life.
See the full collection of Mami Furukawa’s pottery here
