Everyday Comfort in Clay:
Miyuki Matoba and Her Studio "nagusa"
In the spring of 2024, a new Kiyomizu-ware pottery studio named nagusa quietly opened in a residential neighborhood of Yamashina, Kyoto.
Born in Okayama, Miyuki Matoba studied fine art before mastering the craft of ceramics in Kyoto.
Through her creative journey, she came to the realization: “Pottery is my true form of expression.”
The Meaning Behind "nagusa"
The name nagusa comes from a Japanese word meaning “nameless plant,” symbolizing Matoba's desire to create pottery that gently accompanies daily life.
After years of training at traditional kilns in Kyoto, she finally opened her own studio—meticulously equipped, full of light and intention.
Tools are neatly arranged, and her hands shape each piece on the wheel with calm precision.
The Rustic Beauty of Annan Ware
Her handmade pieces often carry a subtle ethnic charm, rooted in the traditional Vietnamese ceramic style known as Annan ware.
This technique involves painting with cobalt or iron oxide on pottery and finishing it with ash glaze—a method both expressive and unpretentious.
- Blue-and-white sake cup with floral rim (Vietnam, 15th century)
- Image courtesy of Colbase
Rather than striving for perfection, this traditional style embraces blurred brushwork and uneven glazes—qualities that deeply resonate with Matoba’s aesthetic as a modern ceramic artist in Kyoto.
Timeless Pieces for Everyday Life
With a background in both painting and design, Matoba doesn’t merely imitate historical masterpieces—she brings her own creative voice into the work.
Her pieces evoke a nostalgic warmth, while also reflecting contemporary sensibilities.
Just like the timeworn vessels once used in daily life that now hold value as works of art, her pottery aims to be loved across generations.
Quietly and patiently, Matoba continues her handmade creations in the spirit of unnamed potters of the past—those who left behind beauty without signatures.
The pottery born from her new Kyoto studio is sure to be cherished, bringing warmth and tradition into modern living.
Profile: Miyuki Matoba of nagusa
- Graduated from Onomichi City University, Department of Fine Arts, 2018
- Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical College, 2020
- Trained at pottery studios in Kyoto
- Founded her own studio in Yamashina, Kyoto in 2024
KOTOPOTTER Owner
Masatoshi Yokoyama
With over 10 years of experience in traditional Japanese crafts, I specialize in Kyoto pottery, especially Kyo and Kiyomizu ware.
I work closely with local kilns and artists to explore new possibilities in handmade and traditional Japanese ceramic art.
In 2024, I launched KOTOPOTTER—an online shop sharing the beauty of Japanese pottery with the world.