Japanese Pottery, Japanese Ceramics, Japanese Tableware.

Kutani-yaki, the traditional art of earthenware making, has long been practised in an area of Japan called Ishikawa, and has captivated people with its colorful designs. It is in Ishikawa where one of Japan's most noted young artists is based. Her name is Yuri Yamazaki. At a 28 years of age, she is very young in the world of kutani-yaki, where 50 is considered youthful!  It is in this setting that Yuri Yamazaki has already gained a lot of attention. "In my work I express exactly what I'm feeling at that moment." she laughs gently. Hearing these words one feels her power.

 

Yuri Yamazaki was born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, in 1979. She graduated from Ishikawa Kutaniyaki Training Institute in the year 2000. In spite of her youth, Yuri Yamazaki has won many awards. In 2002 she was a prizewinner at the Beercup Grand Prix. At the 6th International Earthenware Exhibition she was awarded the special jury prize. In 2003 she won the curator's prize at the 59th Kanazawa Industrial Arts Awards. In 2005 she was a prizewinner at the Children's Teacup Exhibition. Female potters are a relative rarity in Japan, and this fact has also drawn Yuri Yamazaki a lot of attention. She has breathed new life into this Japanese tradition.

Yuri Yamazaki is heavily in demand. In Japan, there is a waiting period of up to three months to purchase one of her creations. However, as a special gesture to overseas customers buying through this site, the artist has promised to fulfill all orders within only 1 month.