Just a few minutes from Baba Takashi’s studio lies the studio of Ishida Kazuya. The path from the road passes large ceramic sculptures and opens up a view of the wide valley. In the distance, the Shinkansen can be seen gliding past the rice fields.

Ishida Kazuya’s studio is divided across several buildings: the two kilns in the firing hall, and the atelier located opposite the modern showroom. A perfect setting for photography!

Ishida Kazuya’s creations originate in Bizen. Born in 1986 into a family of potters, his hometown has deeply shaped his artistic style.

Bizen is regarded as one of the six ancient kilns (Rokkoyō). With a history spanning over 1,000 years, it has established itself as one of Japan’s most important ceramic centres. The local clay is particularly well suited for unglazed, high-fired ceramics known as yakishime. With the spread of the tea ceremony, Bizen gained further significance for chanogu—tea utensils such as tea bowls, water jars, and vases.

True connoisseurs appreciate Bizen for its slightly rough, rustic and understated character. Various wood-firing effects such as goma (sesame seed ash deposits), ash glaze effects, or botamochi—round motifs created by shielding—are highly sought after. The significance of Bizen ware, which may appear austere or shibui at first glance, is reflected in the number of Living National Treasures it has produced. There have been five so far, with Isezaki Jun being the current titleholder.

After completing his studies at the ceramic schools in Bizen and Kyoto, Ishida Kazuya trained for four years under none other than the aforementioned Isezaki Jun. There, he learned the skills of wheel-throwing and firing, as well as the significance of Bizen and its cultural heritage.

His international residencies have also influenced his work, adding further complex layers. In fact, in 2011 and 2012 Ishida Kazuya gained experience in two pottery studios in the United Kingdom, and later also took part in an artist-in-residence programme at the Leach Pottery. There, he studied traditional English slipware (engobe) techniques in depth, which he skillfully reinterprets and incorporates into his own creations.

In 2013, Ishida Kazuya built his own kiln in Bizen. However, his return to Japan did not diminish the influence of his international experience. He continues to work closely with the University of Oxford on projects related to anagama kilns and serves as a consultant on their construction. By now, he has also gained further experience in the United States and more recently in Australia.