Hajime Kimura’s family business of Bizen ware kiln goes back to the 14th century. Now, the 21st-century artist explains what role his handcrafted ceramics plays in the world of mass-produced items.
You’ve said your customers are mainly older age groups. Do you make more traditional pieces like pots, sake bottles, and large plates?
I used to, but not so much since I’ve acquired certain skills on the wheel. I’ve realized they aren’t something I’d use myself? They are fun shapes to make, but if only few people buy them, that means they don’t need those pieces in their lifestyles. That doesn’t motivate me, and naturally, I end up making more pieces I’d want to use in my house.
Is that the concept of your artwork?
My pieces are based on my customers’ needs. “Can you make this piece but a little bigger?” “I’m looking for something like this.” And I apply my own interpretation to those requests. I used to pursue perfection and precision to make the standard models our kiln has been making since the first generation. This was part of the training and I enjoy seeing my own progress. But the more I did, the more I felt like my pieces weren’t any different from machine-made products. As a craftsman, you should definitely acknowledge the skill. As a Bizen ware artist, I felt something was off from early on.
The people who were just photo shooting the same dishes and cups didn’t notice when the food was served in them. That’s when I thought I did my job as a Bizen ware artist.
I’m also fascinated by mass-produced items. Because it’s the very opposite of Bizen ware. I love the regularity of weights and sizes that are designed to be the most user-friendly. That’s why I used to be into figuring out the perfect size and dimensions of my Bizen ware. What’s the right size that most people would find easy to use? For women, this is the average size. For man, it’s slightly larger. But…regardless of age or gender, everyone’s hands are in different sizes and shapes.
I’ve figured there’s no point in making what mass-production can… that’s not really my role here. After aiming for specific dimensions, I allow some impreciseness. As an artist, it’s up to me to communicate with users about the importance of choosing what best suits them. Because they can mindlessly purchase these pieces without much thought. Not thinking of the size or weight or how they’d use them. And when it’s time to use the item, they might feel some awkwardness but not knowing why, let alone noticing it’s the item that’s causing the feeling.
But it’s so much more fun if you can choose with intention. This is true especially today where the world is filled with information, and you can instantly access it. “10 Best Smart Speakers 2021” and “5 Best Cookware Sets”… I’m sure the writers verified those lists, but the problem is we tend to jump on them and believe without questioning. You don’t really know if the product works for you until you try them yourself.
That’s why I deliberately make each of my containers different. In the beginning, I searched intensively for the perfect size for users… “where will this be in a refrigerator?” “What will go in it?” “How deep should it be so you can comfortably grab what’s in the container?” I used to talk to my product designer friend and discuss this over and over.
“It’s so much more fun if you can choose with intention.”
Then… I realized that making Bizen ware this way was impossible because if the container was 2mm narrower, everything was off. From then, these are deliberately in different sizes, which gives the users a wider selection. It can be difficult to have more freedom in choices, but I think that’s the role of Bizen ware — to provide more choices.
What do you think are strengths of Bizen ware?
I think Bizen ware can be the true backstage hero. The backbone for food on the table. Plates that don’t speak loud and kind of fade away in the back… that’s my definition of good tableware. When the food is served, the first thing you notice should be that, not the plate. One time a crew came over for an interview, and I took them out to eat at a restaurant I like. The place happened to have my plates. And the people who were just photo shooting the same dishes and cups… didn’t notice when the food was served in them. They were so into the food and making compliments, and that’s when I thought I did my job. That’s what I aim to be as a Bizen ware artist.
You’ve said your customers are mainly older age groups. Do you make more traditional pieces like pots, sake bottles, and large plates?
I used to, but not so much since I’ve acquired certain skills on the wheel. I’ve realized they aren’t something I’d use myself? They are fun shapes to make, but if only few people buy them, that means they don’t need those pieces in their lifestyles. That doesn’t motivate me, and naturally, I end up making more pieces I’d want to use in my house.
Is that the concept of your artwork?
My pieces are based on my customers’ needs. “Can you make this piece but a little bigger?” “I’m looking for something like this.” And I apply my own interpretation to those requests. I used to pursue perfection and precision to make the standard models our kiln has been making since the first generation. This was part of the training and I enjoy seeing my own progress. But the more I did, the more I felt like my pieces weren’t any different from machine-made products. As a craftsman, you should definitely acknowledge the skill. As a Bizen ware artist, I felt something was off from early on.
The people who were just photo shooting the same dishes and cups didn’t notice when the food was served in them. That’s when I thought I did my job as a Bizen ware artist.
I’m also fascinated by mass-produced items. Because it’s the very opposite of Bizen ware. I love the regularity of weights and sizes that are designed to be the most user-friendly. That’s why I used to be into figuring out the perfect size and dimensions of my Bizen ware. What’s the right size that most people would find easy to use? For women, this is the average size. For man, it’s slightly larger. But…regardless of age or gender, everyone’s hands are in different sizes and shapes.
But it’s so much more fun if you can choose with intention. This is true especially today where the world is filled with information, and you can instantly access it. “10 Best Smart Speakers 2021” and “5 Best Cookware Sets”… I’m sure the writers verified those lists, but the problem is we tend to jump on them and believe without questioning. You don’t really know if the product works for you until you try them yourself.
That’s why I deliberately make each of my containers different. In the beginning, I searched intensively for the perfect size for users… “where will this be in a refrigerator?” “What will go in it?” “How deep should it be so you can comfortably grab what’s in the container?” I used to talk to my product designer friend and discuss this over and over.
“It’s so much more fun if you can choose with intention.”
Then… I realized that making Bizen ware this way was impossible because if the container was 2mm narrower, everything was off. From then, these are deliberately in different sizes, which gives the users a wider selection. It can be difficult to have more freedom in choices, but I think that’s the role of Bizen ware — to provide more choices.
What do you think are strengths of Bizen ware?
I think Bizen ware can be the true backstage hero. The backbone for food on the table. Plates that don’t speak loud and kind of fade away in the back… that’s my definition of good tableware. When the food is served, the first thing you notice should be that, not the plate. One time a crew came over for an interview, and I took them out to eat at a restaurant I like. The place happened to have my plates. And the people who were just photo shooting the same dishes and cups… didn’t notice when the food was served in them. They were so into the food and making compliments, and that’s when I thought I did my job. That’s what I aim to be as a Bizen ware artist.
See Ichiyou Kiln Collection
