Fusion of traditional beauty and modern taste - Yoshiko Kasahara -

Yoshiko Kasahara, a writer from Tochigi, who has started handling newly.
I visited the wonderful workshop and listened to the story.

Visit to Ryoko Kasahara's workshop

After graduating from art high school, majored in oil painting at Nihon University College of Art. Ms. Kasahara learned about painting, including academic and technical aspects.

"I didn't intend to become a teacher, but I thought I'd take it because I could get a teacher's license. I had the opportunity to learn pottery in the course, and I really enjoyed it," he said at the time. As you remembered, you talked happily. When I heard that you studied Western painting, I thought that this might be the reason why your works have an elegant atmosphere.

After graduating, learned potter's wheel technology at the Tochigi Prefectural Ceramics Guidance Center in Mashiko. After that, he studied under the late Mr. Tatsuzo Shimaoka, a Living National Treasure. Independent in 2006. Seven years ago, the current workshop was built in Ichikai-cho, a town next to Mashiko.

As she say, "I told the carpenter what I was selfish about and had them build it."

Visit to Ryoko Kasahara's workshop

It is a very pleasant space where it seems easy to work on pottery, and Ms. Kasahara's good taste is reflected. A window that gently lets in natural light and looks like a beautiful painting. Just on this day, I was able to enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves.

The kiln uses a gas kiln. This place also has a gentle light that wraps the whole room, and there is a magnificent view from the window.

Visit to Ryoko Kasahara's workshop

In the workshop, there are two zelkova (zelkova) kerokuro and an electric potter's wheel.

It is a very fine and beautiful kick potter's wheel.
Visit to Ryoko Kasahara's workshop

Except for the rinka plate, it is said that it is almost made with a potter's wheel.

Each part of this tea pot is also made with a potter's wheel. The beautiful curves and the soft bulge of the handle are characteristic of Ms. Kasahara's work. It is so beautiful that you can't help but sigh.

Vase by Yoshiko Kasahara

Mashiko clay and traditional glaze are used for production. “The teacher used Mashiko clay and glaze. I didn’t feel uncomfortable when I made my own work, so I just used it as is. Except for the heat-resistant clay, it will be Mashiko clay,” says Ma. Kasahara.

 

The slightly thick texture and traditional heavyness that are characteristic of Mashiko . Yet it also has modern functionality and is a work with delicate individuality. I feel that Mr. Kasahara is an important element in making pottery. Mashiko's traditional glazes such as Jigusuri, white glaze, amber glaze, and Namijiroyu. Using these, Ms. Kasahara will create his own colors.

When I visited, I was served Chinese tea with a nice tea pot and tea cup. Last year, he went to Hong Kong on business with several artists from Mashiko and gave demonstrations of pottery. He spoke with a twinkle in his eyes like a child.

Yoshiko Kasahara's pitcher


Items that are made with the thought of being gentle and enriching the feelings that are close to modern life. she cook very well, so you can see that she pays attention to the details and reflects them in her production.

Ryoko Kasahara's clay pot


* Heat-resistant soil uses heat-resistant soil other than Mashiko.

If you look closely at the surface of the earthen pot, you can see fine holes with the naked eye. Before you start using it, please cook porridge to fill this gap. I'm happy that it's going to be my own donabe, even though it takes such a hassle. It seems that cracks may enter the pot when using it, but this crack is not broken at all, it is due to the adjustment of the expansion caused by putting the earthen pot on direct heat. Please do not worry as there is no problem in using it.

Compared to the clay used for normal tableware, the heat-resistant clay burns less and is softer. In addition, the more you use it, the more delicious it becomes.

Spend the years together and enjoy the changes over time.
I'm looking forward to watching it become more and more attractive.


Ms. Kasahara, I would like to thank you for letting me visit your wonderful workshop, and for taking the time out of your busy schedule to kindly teach me various things. It was a really fun time. I'm looking forward to seeing your work!


Click here for Yoshiko Kasahara's work

Ryoko Kasahara's pitcher, teapot, and vase

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