An Unconventional Sensibility
Born from an Unusual Path
In a ceramic world where many artisans are aging, Takunobu Sawada, born in 1985, stands out as a relatively young independent potter.
The skills required for pottery cannot be acquired overnight; they are honed over years of practice.
Sawada has been creating pottery for over 20 years.
(The process of trimming after shaping on the wheel. His confident and practiced hand reflects his high level of skill.)
Sawada's studio is located in the expansive, rural area of Nantan City, Kyoto.
Born to a ceramic artist father, he developed a strong interest in pottery from an early age.
(Nantan City is about an hour's drive south of Kyoto City, surrounded by beautiful mountains.)
He began helping with the family business in his mid-teens, learning the necessary skills through practical experience rather than formal training.
Although his career began in a manner reminiscent of the traditional apprenticeship system, Sawada never hesitated in his decision to pursue a life in pottery.
(An anagama kiln he built with friends during junior high school. Though it was well-crafted, they never actually fired it.)
Expressing originality with his refined skills was a natural progression.
The series featuring realistic animal drawings is created by scraping away lines after applying a white slip, a technique much more challenging than painting with a brush.
The striking design of the series in deep blue and orange evokes an ethnic aesthetic, seamlessly blending into everyday life while making a strong impression.
Sawada's evolution, untainted by external influences, continues to push the boundaries of his unique world.
Artist Biography
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1985
Began studying pottery under his father in 2000
