Kanae Fumiyama creates pottery that is not just art, but an essential part of daily life. From her cozy studio in Oiso, a beautiful seaside town in Japan, she crafts pieces that bring warmth and joy to the table, each one with a story shaped by her own hands.
The Potter's Journey
Born in Miyazaki, Kanae’s artistic journey began with a single, unexpected moment of frustration. While in college, she took a pottery class in Shigaraki and found that, despite her normally deft hands, she couldn’t get the pottery wheel to work as she had hoped. This initial setback didn't discourage her; instead, it fueled a deep curiosity to understand the craft.
At the time, she was heading into her third year of university and was unsure about becoming a company employee. She spoke to those around her about her childhood dream of becoming a craftsperson. A chance encounter with a potter led to an apprenticeship under master potter Sugimoto at the Hosen kiln in Nara, setting her on a new path.
In 2021, she established her own studio in Oiso. Her work stands out for its masterful use of the pottery wheel, a core technique of Kyo-yaki, and her unique glazes that emphasize texture. Rather than creating purely decorative art pieces, Kanae focuses on making pottery that is part of everyday life. She is a mother of three, and her inspiration often comes from her own kitchen, imagining what plates and bowls would make daily meals more joyful. She loves creating pieces with a soft, matte finish and muted colors that blend seamlessly into any dining setting.
The Beauty of Handcrafted Work
Each of Kanae's pieces is truly one of a kind. Using a pottery wheel and applying her special glazes, she creates unique vessels that are then fired in a kiln. The final result is a beautiful surprise. Marks from the glaze flowing in the kiln or tiny bubbles that form during firing make each piece distinct. Unlike mass-produced items, no two pieces are exactly the same. The final form and color are influenced by the clay, the temperature, and the way the fire enters the kiln.
This is the very essence of handcrafted pottery: the beauty of a piece shaped not only by the artist's hands but also by the unpredictable forces of nature. Kanae's work brings this unique warmth and story to your home, making every meal a little more special.
