Koichi Onozawa Demonstration - Throwing on wheel / Urushi Lacquer on Ceramics

Name: Koichi Onozawa Demonstration - Throwing on wheel / Urushi Lacquer on Ceramics
Brand: Koichi Onozawa
Price: 25.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

Modern Japanese Craft 2026

Artist Demonstration with Koichi Onozawa

Saturday 21 November | 10–11:30 am | Public Record, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

We are delighted to welcome Koichi Onozawa, an emerging ceramicist based in Mashiko, Japan, to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for a special artist demonstration at Public Record.

Mashiko is one of Japan’s most renowned ceramic centres, deeply connected to the Mingei folk craft movement and figures such as Shōji Hamada and Bernard Leach. With centuries of ceramic making history, the region continues to evolve through the work of successive generations of makers who are exploring how traditional skills and cultural knowledge can be carried forward into the future.

As part of this younger generation, Koichi Onozawa, his practice explores the possibilities of form, movement and material through the process of making ceramics how he can sustain and reinterpret these traditions through his own ceramic practice, bringing established techniques into conversation with contemporary approaches.

This special gathering accompanies our annual Modern Japanese Craft 2026 exhibition, our final exhibition of the year, featuring a duo presentation of Koichi Onozawa and Junichi Inatomi.

Although Junichi Inatomi will not be joining us in person, his distinctive ceramic works have been warmly received in Aotearoa through previous presentations at Public Record. His signature white matte slip and sculptural forms, including his latest large-scale pieces, will be presented alongside Koichi’s contrasting matte-black works, creating a compelling dialogue between the two artists’ approaches to form, surface and material.

Together, their works invite us to look closely at the individual gestures of the maker: the subtle qualities of form, the character of texture and the ongoing exploration of each material. Through this exhibition, visitors can experience an extensive body of work and discover new perspectives on contemporary Japanese ceramics.

Both artists are represented by highly regarded galleries in Japan and have developed dedicated followings, including among international collectors. We are pleased to bring their work together in Auckland, creating an opportunity for our community to engage with these distinctive practices.

A morning with Koichi Onozawa

At Public Record, cultural exchange is central to what we do. We believe that sharing knowledge, skills and creative processes creates opportunities for connections that extend beyond the gallery.

This intimate, hands-on demonstration offers a rare opportunity to meet Koichi, learn about his practice and observe some of the techniques behind his distinctive ceramic works. From throwing delicate, thin-walled vessels to manipulating their forms and applying lacquer as a finishing process, Koichi will share insights into the patience, precision and craftsmanship involved in his work.

Whether you are an experienced ceramicist, a beginner, an artist working in another medium, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade objects, you are warmly welcome.

Join us for a relaxed morning of learning, conversation and cultural exchange with an artist visiting from Japan. We hope this gathering will inspire new ideas, encourage creative connections and open doors to our future collaborations.

Programme

Introduction to Koichi Onozawa, his practice and the history of Mashiko ceramics
Introduction to a residency programme in Mashiko planned for next year
Demonstration of throwing thin-walled vessels on the pottery wheel
Exploring the shaping and manipulation of leather-hard vessels
An introduction to Koichi’s distinctive Urushi, lacquer finishing process
Open conversation and questions with the artist