Handmade Kutani Ware Incense Burner by Tashigama

Yasushi Yamachika

Membership: Regular Member of Japan Crafts Association, Member of Japan Ceramic Arts Association

Yasushi Yamachika, a native of a long-standing Kutani ware pottery lineage, grew up immersed in the world of Kutani ceramics from an early age. Surrounded by the traditional five colors of Kutani ware—green, purple, yellow, navy blue, and red—he developed a profound appreciation for the beauty of color and the boundless realm of artistic expression that these colors offered.

Yamachika is a true artisan who meticulously oversees every aspect of his creations, from sculpting to the final brushstroke. His vessels come to life with vibrant, rhythmic line drawings and a distinctive blend of colors, breathing vitality into the animals depicted on them.

While deeply respecting the rich heritage of Kutani ware, Yamachika remains committed to exploring innovative and novel forms of artistic expression within the tradition.

Achievements:

• Grand Prize recipient at the Traditional Kutani Ware Crafts Exhibition.
• Selected for the prestigious Japan Crafts Exhibition on five separate occasions.