From Islington Square to Monocle Market: Kasama Potters' 2023 round-up

Following a year filled with creative endeavours and cultural exchange, this month, Kasama Potters reflects on 2023. The year began in February with a special event at Islington Square in London, marking the first time since the project started in 2020 that nine leading members of Kasama's ceramic community visited the UK.

The event at Islington Square was a rare opportunity for craft enthusiasts to meet and engage with talented potters like Hiroshi Kikuchi, Ken Shoji, and Tatsushi Nemoto. Demonstrating the icchin technique of dripper-applied ceramic surface decoration, the potters showcased their drinkware collections, each piece representing the distinct style of its creator.

Following this, the potters explored the city, including visits to Japan House, Ceramic Art London and renowned institutions such as the V&A, Tate Modern, and the British Museum. Their journey then continued north to Stoke-on-Trent, where they immersed themselves in the rich pottery scene at Middleport Pottery, Clay College, and the British Ceramics Biennial.

Later in the year, Kasama Potters triumphantly returned to the London Design Festival in September. This time, the spotlight was on Kasama's culinary contributions, with specially fired clay cooking pots and unglazed drinkware taking centre stage. The 'Kasama Kaki' collection highlighted the versatility of Japanese-style ceramic pots as cooking utensils, while 'Jun Kasama-yaki' showcased the raw, unglazed beauty of Kasama's clay.

Closing the year on a festive note, Kasama Potters participated in Monocle Magazine's Christmas Market in London. The event at Midori House offered a delightful array of unique and handcrafted gifts from around the world, making it the perfect opportunity for attendees to discover and acquire Kasama's exceptional ceramics.

Throughout 2023, the Kasama Potters project continued to deepen the exchange between Kasama and the UK, showcasing the rich tradition and innovation within the city. As we eagerly anticipate the coming year, the potters look forward to more opportunities to showcase Kasama ware and the region's eclectic mix of ceramic styles.