Yanashita Tomoko specializes in Kochi ware - the vibrant polychrome low-fire ceramics also known as Jiaozhi ware. With origins in Northern Vietnam and Fujian China, Kochi ware dates from the Ming dynasty, itself inspired by brightly glazed Tang ceramics. Imported by Edo merchants of the 18th century, Kochi ceramics became popular with the Kyoto tea masters who favoured karamono, or Chinese objects.

Born in 1981 in Iwate Prefecture, Yanashita Tomoko graduated from the Kyoto Traditional Crafts School in 2002. She was inspired by potters Mokubei Aoki and Dohachi Ninnami, two of the best known makers of Japanese Kochi wares. 

Yanashita forms her pots from a smooth clay made of porcelain and stoneware. The bas-relief motifs are pressed into clay and then applied to the pot walls. She bisque fires her pots first and then coats the interior with a simple white glaze. Only after the subsequent high-firing does she then add her custom Kochi polychrome glazes. The final low-temperature firing preserves the bright colours and results in Kochi wares signature jewel tones.

This cup features a “yomogi” or mugwort plan, valued for its medicinal purposes and ritual use.

New from the artist’s studio. Comes with the signed, stamped, and titled wood box, wrapping cloth, and CV.