Kanazawa is home to the tradition of Kutani ware, one of Japan's most representative ceramics. Mio Imae is an artist who creates Kutani ware pieces in the area and delivers them to the local community.

She left the apparel industry and has successfully combined new design with tradition in her art. We asked her about the background and ideas behind her creative activities.

Let the work become part of the life of the person who picks it up

Traditional Kutani ware is made up of old-fashioned patterns and colors, and gives off a slightly stiff impression. Imae's work is humorous and makes you laugh. In addition, she does not use traditional basic colors as they are, but dilutes the basic colors with white and mixes other colors in her own way to add her own unique twist.

A total of 15 colors are used to create a soft atmosphere. This changes the elegant impression of Kutani ware into something that is easy to incorporate into modern life. There is no set way to use Imae's work. You can use it to hold side dishes, display accessories, or just use it as interior decoration.

His works are made with the hope that those who pick them up will use them in a way that suits their lifestyle. His free-spirited style that is not bound by tradition and his considerate attitude of not forcing people to use them make his works a part of our lives.

What led to him choosing Kutani ware from his hometown, Ishikawa?

While casually strolling around Nakameguro, Tokyo, he noticed a sign that read "Pottery Class." He encountered the "Kutani ware painting course" at the trial class. Until then, he had never had a strong impression of Kutani ware, and since he was from Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani ware was a common sight in his family home.

However, he had the impression that traditional Kutani ware did not fit into modern life. While changing jobs repeatedly, Imae had wanted to try making things all the way from start to finish, so he decided to jump into the world of Kutani ware. He passed the exam in just three months. With surprising initiative, he immersed himself in the world of Kutani ware.

The key phrase has always been to act immediately when you have an idea.

Imae's works include unique, three-dimensional vessels. He says that the secret to creating unique works is to draw out an idea as soon as it comes to him, and to write down any ideas he has while working on another piece on a nearby newspaper.

In addition, he does not stay shut up in his studio, but always tries to be connected to the outside world, and sometimes even takes on part-time jobs that are unrelated to his work. I look forward to seeing more of Imae's work, which continues to respect traditional crafts while also opening up new possibilities through various outside stimuli.

Where to see Imae's work

The famous Kaga Bocha tea shop "Issho" in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District serves its products in Imae's ware. The warmth of the Kutani ware and the aroma of roasted green tea enhance the flavor of this long-established shop.

Her work is also featured in the hotel. HOTEL RESOL TRINITY KANAZAWA uses Imae's work as part of the artwork in the entrance and rooms.

While respecting traditional crafts, Imae is exploring new possibilities for Kutani ware. Her technique, which deliberately expresses Kutani ware in a soft manner, is imbued with her unique "perspective on daily life."