Makers

Every piece begins somewhere. A workshop, a kiln, a pair of hands that have spent years learning one thing well. Here, you'll find the makers behind each piece, and perhaps discover something unexpected along the way.

Slideshow

One Region, Many Hands

KIHARA has worked between Arita and Hasami since 1955, bringing together specialist kilns and craftspeople rather than running a single workshop.

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Kurikyu master working with bentwood bowls in a workshop.

Traditional Crafts

Shunji Kurimori, the sixth in that line, is one of a small number of people in Japan with the title of Master of Traditional Crafts.

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Close-up of a metalworking process with a tool and gloved hands of Nousaku workshop

Metal Casting

Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques handed down for over 400 years in Japan.

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Why Makers Matter

In a world of mass production, these Japanese makers offer a different pace — one shaped by time, care, and quiet intention.

Through their work, we hope to bring you a little closer to the materials and stories behind each piece.

We stay curious

We’re curious about the makers behind each piece — their materials, process, and where they come from. When we visit Japan, we take the chance to learn and see more firsthand.

We choose simply

We focus on pieces we genuinely like and would use in our own everyday life. Our selection stays considered, simple, and easy to explore.

We share along the way

We share what we learn about the makers behind each piece. So you can slowly get to know the stories, places, and ideas behind them.

Featured Makers

Explore by region or craft, or simply follow what catches your eye.

Where craft takes shape

From Akita in the north to Kyoto in the south, each region in Japan carries its own materials, traditions, and way of life.

Even within the same craft, the differences can be striking. Porcelain from Arita is often light and refined, while Kutani ware is known for its rich colours and expressive patterns.

A piece shaped in the mountains may feel different from one made near the sea — influenced by climate, landscape, and local practice.

Exploring these places is also a way of discovering the makers behind each piece.