Hiraoka Jin

Hiraoka san likes to use normal, accessible materials for his works. He mixes his own clay from Tajima and Shigaraki clays among others, and makes his own glazes, including an oak ash and iron glaze inspired by traditional karatsu glazes. He worked as an apprentice in Bizen, while also learning the traditional karatsu style, and then moved near Mashiko, North of Tokyo, so he was free from any influences and could develop his own style.

He likes to eat and drink and is always thinking of how his pieces feel to actually use and enjoy. His pieces are normally colourful with his skilful use of glazes and the shapes are often sculpted and playful.