Kafka is a set of plates and bowls that we created in collaboration with experienced artisans in the ceramics center of Mashiko. The flat-bottomed design of these dishes was achieved through repeated trial and error, involving such experiments as firing the plates on claw-like supports and doubling the foot ring. Shaping local Mashiko clay on a wheel, we made large thin plates and deep bowls with vertical rims and fired them with black Yuzuguro glaze. The pieces exude a unique presence due to their rough texture, which is said to resemble the rind of the yuzu citrus. We also created tall lipped bowls, sake cups, and teacups with the same Yuzuguro glaze. The distinctive texture of the thick black coating is best appreciated when you touch your lips to the rim of one of the cups. These dishes are an example of how the diverse possibilities of Mashiko ware make it ideal for forging new paths in artisanry beyond traditional folk crafts.
