Straight Vase by Ken Shoji

This vase was made in the textural style of black used by Ken Shoji at his Kasama studio.

The shape of the vase was formed on the wheel, and Shoji’s black glaze seems to contain different shades when viewed closely. The black textured outer contrasts with the cream matt feel of the inner surface.  It is overall a simple and striking piece.

Size : 7.1cm x 7.1cm x 15.5cm

About Ken Shōji                                                                                   

From his home county of Miyagi in northern Japan, Ken Shōji’s route to pottery ran through the studio of Kasama master potter Motohiko Ito. Training here for five years, Shōji received the varied education of a Japanese potter. One aspect was wood firing, and the skill and connection to nature needed to retain control of a kiln in these circumstances is part of the fascination Shōji finds in pottery. Today from his studio on a hilly outcrop in Kasama, he founds his work on his materials, and in the regular battle to shape the sometimes difficult local clay. Variations in colour are another key element of his work, and the challenge of delivering contrast in black is a theme that he returns to. He achieves this with the ‘uwae’ overpainting technique, among his other explorations in colour and form.