Collection: Shun Kumagai

Shun Kumagi’s practice is centred on the layering of different materials, through complex techniques, to create vessels that quietly astound. Each piece has a distinctive surface that continually transforms as the light moves across it throughout the day. The pieces have a mysterious shimmering quality, evoking ancient ruins and lost civilisations.

Shun creates the original shape of each piece with wax. He makes the mould, fills it with slips (clay), then carefully embeds pieces of coloured glass and metal on the surface. This glass melts and crystalises within the mould in a 1000 ℃ kiln. Shun waits for a long time as each piece slowly cools. When it is ready, he slowly splits the vessel from the mould. This is a very long process that is filled with tension and uncertainty as to the outcome. Shun says he is constantly praying.