Collection: Takayuki Watanabe

Born in Shizuoka, Japan.

Graduated from Meisei University in 2000.

Takayuki Watanbe creates sculptural, tactile ceramics in the Doki* (earthenware) style.   He lives and works in the mountainous peninsula of Izu, Shizuoka where it has significant minerals contains. ( where there is Mt Fuji)

After Takayuki met “clay guru” Shunichi Yoshimura in 2006, he became deeply interested in the ancient way of creating pottery called Doki. He traveled throughout India and Nepal to learn more about earthenware and went to China to see the mass-production sites.  

For several years Takayuki worked under Taizo Kuroda, one of the most significant contemporary ceramicists in Japan. He then traveled around Asia again, continuing to deepen his understanding of earthenware. After his travels, he began using clay from the Izu peninsula in Shizuoka, where he was born.  He decided to return to the city and continues to make work there.  

Takayuki lives closely with nature.  He sources his own clay, which he fires in a kiln that he has built. He approaches pottery making like a scientist – he experiments with old and new materials and techniques to make innovative, original ceramics.  

Takayuki’s work is highly regarded and considered equal to the master ceramists he has met and studied under. 

Doki (earthenware):

Doki ceramics are unglazed and fired at a temperature that is much lower than the fire used for porcelain and other material. A hole is dug in the ground and clay pieces are placed within the hole.  The pieces are filled with sand, wood and husks.  Plant waste is used to cover the hole.  The clay needs to be taken away from the heat just before it melts, which means timing is crucial.  The pottery can be very coarse and porous, which gives it a natural texture and appearance.