Miyako Nataochi

Nataochi-san works in Kanagawa prefecture.
Loving to draw ever since she was a child, she decided to pursue the path of art around the time she was in high school and went on to study ceramics in the Craft Program at Tokyo University of the Arts.

After graduating, she worked as an art teacher while continuing her creative activities.

Her unique creative process starts by first deciding on a title and envisioning the story behind the piece before painting the patterns.
The motif that has come to symbolize Miyako Nataochi's work is the adorable rabbit.
She began featuring rabbits in her art after she started living with one several years ago.

She places great importance on creating designs that are charming without being overly sweet, aiming to craft tableware that can be cherished for a long time.
Her oval plates are created using the "coiling" (himo-zukuri) technique, building them up by stacking ropes of clay. The soft contours and somewhat warm forms are uniquely possible because of this handcrafting method.

All of Nataochi's works feature the technique of "kakikoshi" (carving away the surface). The gentle shadows created by this extra step give the entire piece depth and a rich expression.
Every delicate line carries the warmth of handiwork, and another appealing charm is being able to enjoy a worldview reminiscent of illustrations in a picture book.