Mai Tagawa

She is a ceramic artist based in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Ever since she was a child, she loved to draw, and art was always her favorite subject. Growing up seeing her parents' cherished Shigaraki (Shiga prefecture) ware mug and saucer, she was captivated by the beautiful gradations of scarlet that appear on pottery, leading her to think, "Someday, I want to create works like this myself."

With that dream in her heart, she studied ceramics at Tama Art University of Tokyo.
After graduating and establishing herself as an independent artist, she initially focused on works that made the most of the scarlet expressions created by the reaction between glazes and clay. In recent years, she has also actively embraced carbonization firing, exploring the rich potential of colors inherent in the clay itself.

"I started creating works using carbonization firing because I wanted to see the full breadth of color gradations that clay can produce." She explains. "Since the final outcome is completely unpredictable, I am always filled with excitement the moment the kiln is opened."
Her words reflect a dedication to pursuing the natural beauty born of serendipity.

She deeply respects two ceramic artists: Lucie Rie, known for her delicate and sophisticated forms, and Shunsai Takahashi, the creator of the Shigaraki (Shiga prefecture) ware mug her parents loved. Her admiration for Lucie Rie's refined silhouettes and Shunsei Takahashi's unique blend of strength and warmth is clearly mirrored in her own work—characterized by delicate forms paired with the stunning, natural gradations of scarlet.

Featuring delicate silhouettes and one-of-a-kind colors forged within the kiln, Tagawa’s tableware and vases take on deeper expressions the more they are used, holding a special charm that deepens our attachment to them over time.

"I would be truly happy if you could enjoy my works for a long time to come."
We invite you to enjoy each piece, accompanied by her heartfelt sentiment.