Ishii Natsumi

Ishii Natsumi's studio is a quiet space with soft light coming in, where ware for everyday use is made.

I am Ishii Natsumi, and I work in Kyoto, mainly on kohiki ware. I aim at unpretentious ware for daily use, marked by soft forms and warm glazes. What matters to me is that a piece becomes something that settles the heart in the course of living.

My main style is the pairing of a soft form with a warm glaze. Working in the kohiki technique, I make pieces with care for how they feel in the hand.

I knead the clay, raise the form, wait for it to dry, and then apply the glazes before firing. When raising the form in particular I rely on the feeling in my hands, making small adjustments so that each piece comes out one of a kind.

My studio aims at ware that stays close to daily life. I value the moments when something moves in you, and through work that is simple and yet warm I hope to add some color to your days. I care about the tone of the clay and the texture of the glaze, and I want to deliver ware that settles the heart each time you pick it up.

Kyoto is a production area with a long history of ceramics. Here traditional technique and a contemporary sensibility have come together, and kohiki ware has found its place. In this spot, blessed with rich clay and water, I carry that culture on and go on making ware for everyday use.