Tobe-yaki, a ceramic tradition passed down in Tobe Town, Iyo District, Ehime Prefecture, boasts a history of about 250 years. It was designated a traditional craft of national importance in 1976 and an intangible cultural asset by Ehime Prefecture in 2005.
Injecting a breath of fresh air into this historic traditional craft is Asato Ikeda, the representative of Ryusen Kiln, a Tobe-yaki pottery studio. Ryusen Kiln was founded in 1977 by his father, Fujio, a traditional craftsman who became independent from Ryubu Kiln, established by his grandfather, Kuniyoshi. While preserving the three-generation kiln, Ikeda creates original works that set themselves apart from traditional Tobe-yaki.
We visited Tobe Town to discuss with Ikeda the journey to his current style, the challenges facing Tobe-yaki, and his future plans.
PROFILE
Asato Ikeda
Born in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture. From 2006 to 2008, participated in a JICA-dispatched project under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt, where he engaged in activities such as instructing local children in pottery. Afterward, he returned to his hometown's Ryusen Kiln in 2008 to resume creating his artworks. Today, he is active worldwide, holding solo exhibitions both in Japan and abroad.
Drawing Inspiration from His Father's Works, Creating Innovative Tobe-yaki Ceramics
When did you decide to pursue a career as an artisan?
It was around the time I graduated from high school. Growing up in an environment close to the kiln, I remember that choosing the path of an artisan came naturally to me.From 2006 to 2008, you were dispatched to Egypt by JICA, where you taught pottery to local children.
I got to know someone working at JICA who informed me that they were looking for a ceramic instructor in Alexandria, Egypt.In Egypt, I conducted pottery classes for children at a local facility for individuals with disabilities. Although the facility seemed keen on turning this into jobs for the children, they seemed to enjoy it more as clay play than actual pottery.
While Tobe-yaki is known for its thick design, your works give off a different impression.
I think sharp shapes suit my technique, so my works often have a thinner design.Though they may seem "hard to hold" or "difficult to use" at first glance, those who use them often find the fit unexpectedly pleasant, and the lip feel is good. The gap is intriguing.
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