The Kiln Inherited from His Grandfather, a Third-Generation Successor's Struggle

The history of Uzan-gama began in 1939 when Nishio's grandfather built a climbing kiln. Nishio explains that when he took over the pre-war pottery studio as the third-generation head, it was driven by more than just simple business succession.

"My parents were getting older, and I had been back home for a few years, so I took over with a simple, 'Alright, I guess it's my turn.' I assumed becoming the third-generation head meant I could do whatever I wanted, but reality wasn't so sweet."

Initially, Nishio considered promoting Shigaraki ware abroad with the idea of "re-importing" its value back to Japan. However, his perspective shifted as he gained more experience.

"As I participated in various events, I gradually came to believe that if your work isn't recognized in Japan, it won't succeed overseas either. I felt that even if I took it abroad, it wouldn't lead to anything further or catch anyone's eye."

In the past, the studio had exhibited internationally, including at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, but Nishio had never attended these events in person. Just as he resolved to travel to overseas exhibitions himself and hear feedback firsthand, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing him to put his plans on hold.

The Turning Point: A Venture into "Small Wares"

For Uzan-gama, which was searching for new directions, a major turning point was the shift from producing mainly large pottery to creating "small wares" like tableware. Nishio reflects that this challenge prompted a deeper way of thinking about his craft.

"I started to understand many things after I began making small items. Before, when I was focused on large pieces, I only worried about the form. But when you create vessels, you have to consider their usability, how people will use them, and the scenes they'll become a part of. That made me decide to focus on crafting every detail with care, even if it meant producing fewer pieces."

Initially, there was some harsh feedback from wholesalers they had worked with for years. However, the exceptional skill of their artisans proved the quality of Uzan-gama's craftsmanship and became the driving force for opening up new sales channels.

The Story Behind the Birth of Light-Transmitting 'Shigaraki Touki'

Meanwhile, having previously worked in interior design, Nishio had long dreamed of creating lighting fixtures from pottery. This led to the development of 'Shigaraki Touki,' a light-transmitting ceramic, born at the Shigaraki Ceramic Research Institute.

Its main raw material is 'fused silica,' a waste product from the manufacturing of optical fibers. This is used as an aggregate and mixed with highly transparent ceramic raw materials. A major feature of this material is that, although it is pottery, it can be fired at around 1,230°C, a temperature close to that used for porcelain. However, he explains that adjustments to the firing process are necessary because the different shrinkage rates of the clay and glaze cause the glaze to peel off during firing.

"Even the people at the research institute admitted with a wry smile, 'It's not finished yet.'"

The developer, however, has since retired, leaving the material 'unfinished.' But this very imperfection creates a unique charm. Nishio was quick to see the material's potential and, after a process of trial and error, successfully brought it to market. It has become a product that symbolizes the innovative spirit of Uzan-gama, born from the collaboration between a traditional production area and a public research institute.

Experiments for the Future, Found in the 'Play Kiln'

In a corner of the studio stood a small, eye-catching kiln. Nishio introduced it with a playful smile, saying, "This is my play kiln." Installed the year before last, this hybrid kiln first raises the temperature with gas, then allows firewood to be added midway through. The ash from the burning wood adheres to the vessels, reacting with the glaze to create unexpected patterns.

Nishio says he wants to use this 'play kiln' to experiment with making pottery by reusing clay that would have otherwise been discarded.

"Regular clay can be recycled, but the white clay for Shigaraki Touki can't be used for products if it contains impurities. I thought it might be fun to play around with it in this kiln. It feels like a waste to throw it out, and I wonder if I can create something interesting."

While its success is uncertain, the 'play kiln' represents one answer to the problem of limited resources that artisans face. It is a symbol of the pure spirit of inquiry aiming for sustainable craftsmanship.

Completed by the User: Uzan-gama's Philosophy of 'Yo no Bi' (Beauty in Use)

Venturing overseas, expanding into small accessories, and developing 'Shigaraki Touki'—the journey of Uzan-gama is one of constant change. Nishio encapsulates the underlying philosophy with the term 'yo no bi,' or the 'beauty in use.'

"What we make are ultimately just vessels. They are only completed when they are used and become part of the customer's life."

Beauty is not something completed by the creator alone but is discovered in the daily life of the user. This philosophy mirrors the history of Shigaraki ware itself. Rather than adhering to a specific style, Shigaraki ware has evolved by responding to the demands of each era—transforming from everyday miscellaneous goods to tea ceremony ceramics and architectural pottery, all while embracing change and innovating its techniques.

"Shigaraki ware is a series of innovations. The spirit of Shigaraki is to take on the challenge of creating something new. I'm open to venturing overseas again, or maybe developing new things with the next generation."

Uzan-gama's endeavors are the very act of carrying the tradition of Shigaraki ware into the future.

The artisan's handiwork and the dreams entrusted to an 'unfinished' material. Uzan-gama's craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the soil of tradition, yet its branches stretch gracefully toward the light of innovation. What kind of scenery will this vessel reveal in your life?