Nestled in a serene neighborhood of Kyoto’s Kita Ward with views of Mount Hiei, Jiucasca is the studio of ceramic artist Asami Maeda. Here, she revitalizes the Shimizu-yaki tradition with pieces that, like a gentle spring rain, bring subtle refreshment to everyday moments.
Drawing inspiration from plants and natural landscapes, her botanical-inspired designs merge seamlessly with the refined grace of traditional Kyoto pottery. Each handmade ceramic vessel is both beautiful and highly functional.
Interview: Ceramic Artist Asami Maeda
From painting to philosophy to pottery—discover how Asami Maeda’s unique background shapes her work.
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Philosophy, Painting, and the Path to Pottery
Asami Maeda pursued fine art before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy, studying thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. This logical foundation enriches her understanding of clay bodies, glazes, and firing techniques in her Kyoto studio.
By honoring traditional Japanese craftsmanship while exploring fresh creative directions, she breathes new life into the Shimizu-yaki heritage.
Botanical Kyoto Pottery: Stylish Pieces for Everyday Use
Maeda’s work features botanical motifs—flowers, leaves, and organic textures—drawn from English antiques and nature walks. These elegant ceramics blend harmoniously with any table setting, whether you’re serving a Japanese kaiseki meal or a Western-inspired feast.
The soft hues and gentle shapes complement a variety of dishes, making each piece a versatile, stylish addition to your home.
Handy, Comfortable Ceramics for Daily Life
“I value the relationship between maker and user,” says Maeda. Her designs focus on versatile shapes and sizes—perfect for salads, appetizers, or small bites—so you can plate creatively without worrying about form fitting.
Neutral tones and thoughtful proportions let the food take center stage, while the craftsmanship adds a touch of warmth to every meal.
Bring Stylish, High-Quality Shimizu-Yaki into Your Home
Rooted in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage yet attuned to modern tastes, Asami Maeda’s pieces offer a quiet elegance to any setting. These handmade, traditional ceramics make perfect gifts—and even more perfect everyday companions.
Experience how carefully chosen pottery can transform simple moments into lasting memories.
Jiucasca Artist Profile
- 1988: Born in Tokyo, Japan
- 2006: Completed Foundation Course, Department of Fine Arts, Musashino Art Academy
- 2011: Bachelor’s in Philosophy, Kokugakuin University
- 2013: Master’s in Philosophy, Kyoto University
- 2013: Studied pottery in Kyoto
- 2017: Established Jiucasca studio in Kyoto
KOTOPOTTER Owner
Masatoshi Yokoyama
With over a decade dedicated to Kyoto’s pottery traditions, I work closely with artisans to share the beauty of handmade, traditional ceramic art from Japan.
In 2024, I launched KOTOPOTTER to bring authentic Japanese pottery to a global audience.