Yamaguchi Makoto 山口真人 Japanese, b. 1978

YAMAGUCHI Makoto (b. 1978) is the sixth generation of a ceramic family in Seto. He faces the challenge of bringing his family traditions to a contemporary vision in a saturated Seto pottery scene. The challenge he has set out to achieve specifically encompasses the glazes of Mino-yaki (Shino & Oribe), and Kiseto-yaki. Indeed, he is moving closer and closer to this achievement with every exhibition and firing. This Oribe vase captures the grandeur of grassy earthen landscapes with turquoise and Turkish blue glaze pools. It is also complimented by a contemporary form.

His father, who Makoto trained under, did his apprenticeship together under Kasen kiln with Suzuki Goro. As such, Makoto grew up with SUZUKI Goro, KANEKO Jun, and KOIE Ryoji visiting their parent’s home, and receiving their technical influences from a young age. He was inspired by how these established potters were simultaneously becoming ceramic artists: a distinction in profession that he had considered from a young age. As a result, he did not take over his family title immediately after his four-year apprenticeship, but rather pursued his dream of becoming an individual artist.

YAMAGUCHI’s work looks very traditional, as he is in pursuit of “Utsushi うつし”, which means “reproduction or copy from traditional piece, in order to study techniques.” As Yamaguchi thinks there’s too much ego in contemporary works, and one’s character is supposed to arise naturally in any form, he is expressing himself in classic form.