Statement

As a tea bowl artisan, my role is to make works capable of speaking out to the soul, evoking memories, nurturing the imagination and elevating the spirit, to enrich the tea-drinking experience.

I draw my inspiration from classic Japanese tea bowls -chawan- made during the Momoyama Period (1568-1603). These rustic bowls, also known as Chôjirô ware, are a striking manifestation of sober elegance, unpretentious beauty, and weathered grace. They are the epitome of the Wabi style, which favours quiet simplicity and finds beauty in imperfection.

In Japan, tea bowls are considered the dominant expression of Zen art. 

My motivation is a constant pursuit of serenity. My work is traditional in form and function but imbued with a modern twist. I am continually exploring different glazing techniques, both ancient and contemporary, and through a cross-cultural perspective. 

Each chawan is carefully handcrafted, using a technique called kurinuki, which involves carving the bowl out of a solid piece of clay. The process of shaping the vessel into its final form demands spontaneity and skill. A proper bowl should not only be beautiful but also "feel right" and sit comfortably in the curves of the hands. 

The ritual of preparing matcha, holding the warm bowl in my hands, and enjoying the aroma and flavour of tea in every sip, brings me back in touch with my inner self. This allows me to experience a blissful moment of clarity when I can feel, rather than think, and be fully aware of the present.