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Masaaki Iwasa

岩佐 昌昭
Ceramic Artist • 1979 –

A ceramic artist from Ehime Prefecture. Inspired by Rokuro Nakamura’s tokkuri (sake flasks), he entered the world of ceramics. After training in Bizen and Shigaraki, he moved to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, where he established his own kiln and set up an independent practice. While serving as the head priest of a temple, he dedicated himself to ceramics. His works are characterized by totai-shikki (ceramic lacquerware), where he applies lacquer to ceramics, affixes silver foil, and then fires them, creating a unique and distinctive texture.

BASED IN
Shimane Prefecture

POINT OF VIEW

The beautiful expression created by the combination of lacquer and silver foil. It carries a sense of both calm and intensity, existing in a way that gently resonates with the viewer’s innermost emotions. Perhaps the reason people are naturally drawn to the works of Masaaki Iwasa lies in the artist’s way of life, living in a temple and capturing the small, beautiful moments of everyday life in his heart.

CRAFT ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

1979

Born in Ehime Prefecture

2004

Graduated from Bizen Pottery Center

2004

Trained in Bizen and Shigaraki

2013

Established kiln in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture

2022

Runner-up Prize, the 39th Tanabe Museum of Art Award “Tea Ceremony Ware Exhibition

2022

TOKI Oribe Grand Prize, “the 14th Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramics for the Tea Ceremony”

2024

Held solo exhibition at Terada Bijyutsu

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