A potter in Kasama since 1995, Hiroyuki Ōnuki is an example of the ceramic talent that flows into the town. A graphic designer for Japan’s booming commercial sector in the 1980s, he resolved to leave this life behind.

Instead now his work is in the physical medium of clay, and is based on hand drawn Japanese artistic motifs. Recalling at times the yūzen dye style used for kimonos, Ōnuki moulds his canvas in clay on outlines each flower and form by hand. His patterns are achieved by direct painting, and the zōgan technique of slip inlay. Much of these ceramics are inspired by nature, and working motifs from Japan’s seasons into representative designs. Ōnuki also makes a series that recalls calligraphy on an ivory white backdrop.