‘The Art of Clay and Fire’ 

Suehiro Koyama (1st Generation)

1948   Born in Bizen, Okayama, Japan. Studied under master ceramic artist Kaneshige Sozan.

1971   Became independent.

 Through the study of ancient Bizen ware and other antique ceramics as well as the collection of tea utensils from the Muromachi (1336-1573) and Momoyama (1573-1603) periods, sharpened both eyes and skills.

Received various awards such as the Prefectural Governor's Award, Issuikai Exhibition Grand Prize, Okayama Prefecture Exhibition Grand Prize, Sanyo Shimbun Award, and the Tanabe Museum Tea Ceremony Sculpture Exhibition Excellent Prize, as well as being selected in many other exhibitions including the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition.

Atsuko Koyama (2nd Generation)

1979   Born in Bizen, Okayama, Japan. Apprenticed under her father, Mr. Suehiro Koyama.

2003   Started her first kiln firing.

 She is one of the most popular female ceramic artists in Bizen pottery. In addition to the splendid effects like "kiln changes" and "scarlet threads" inherited from her father, her unique style, characterized by soft and sometimes distorted forms that are distinctively feminine, sets her apart from other artists.

Bizen Ware

Bizen Ware is a traditional stoneware produced in the Inbe area of Okayama Prefecture, known for its exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln’s flames, and is characterized by its minimalist, “wabi-sabi” design.

It is one of the oldest ceramics in Japan and is made with “Yakishime” technique, in which pieces are fired at high temperatures without glaze to make them durable and water-resistant.

Bizen is one of the six ancient kiln sites in Japan, along with Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Echizen.