Nagoya based potter Inoue Shigeru makes pots for everyday use that are reminiscent of old Mishima ware. He uses rough and crumbly unprocessed clay which is extremely difficult to form, and applies natural slip and glazes that are mixed using feldspar exposed to the rain and sun. He is adamant about using these natural materials and methods because only they can create the desired depth and rusticity in the finished work. The pieces are fired in a gas kiln with minimal airflow, known as reduction firing, which forces oxygen to be drawn out of the clay bodies and glazes. This firing method causes random pink shades to appear in the glaze, known as gohonte, that are much desired by pottery enthusiasts. Pots that are fired in reduction firing also become sturdy and hard, making Inoue-san’s pots perfect for the dining table.
