Japanese potters present u-tsu-wa at paper boat press
Husband and wife potters Tetsuya and Momoko Otani started their pottery studio in Shigaraki, Japan in 2008. It’s here in one of the six oldest pottery sites in the country that the pair makes functional ceramic vessels for your daily table.
Tetsuya works in porcelain, while Momoko manipulates iron-rich local clay. They find inspiration in the small ideas they stumble upon in daily life in the mountains – cooking, baking, farming, playing with their three daughters, two cats and one dog. Tetsuya’s pieces are beautifully minimalist, with a calm, smooth sculptural presence, while Momoko is recognised for her simple forms adorned with delicate floral sketchings. While their personal styles vary, the pair often comes together to collaborate for joint exhibitions.
Translating to ‘vessel’ or something ‘for your daily table’, u-tsu-wa is the couple’s latest exhibition, and the first for the pair in Australia. Showing at paper boat press in Ashgrove until Saturday August 9, u-tsu-wa will open this Friday July 25 from 6:00–8:00 pm, with a little saké to celebrate, while tea will be served on Saturday July 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.