[A lifestyle shop proposing beautiful and rich Japanese living] < The Magician of Kutani: Shoji Yoshioka Collection >
Lifestyle shop 'Watashi no Heya' announces the 'Iroe Hanasarasa' collection, a new spring line by traditional Kutani ware craftsman Shoji Yoshioka, renewing their 24-year-old classic series.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 19:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 11:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 02:43 (15h 41m after Collected)
Shoji Yoshioka, Magician of Kutani - New This Spring, Watashi no Heya Original - Iroe Hanasarasa (Color-painted Floral Sarasa)
At Watashi no Heya, we have been introducing the works of Mr. Shoji Yoshioka for about 25 years.
Mr. Yoshioka, who holds the title of Traditional Craftsman of Kutani ware, creates works that feature precise brushwork in blue-and-white (sometsuke), yet also possess a pop and free-spirited style that exudes a dignified depth.
His skill is such that one wants to call him the 'Magician of Kutani'...
He has created many vessels for us that add a spice-like accent to the modern dining table and make daily meals enjoyable.
< Encounter with Ceramic Artist Shoji Yoshioka >
Our encounter dates back to when Mr. Yoshioka was at 'Kutani Seiyo', a kiln that has produced many artists.
Starting with the long-selling blue-and-white 'Marumon' (round crest) pattern beloved by customers since 2002, he has worked on numerous Watashi no Heya original vessels over the years that bring joy to daily dining.
Driven by a constant desire to provide better products to customers rather than settling for existing ones, the 'Kutani Iroe Sumikiri Kakuzara' (Cut-corner square plate) was reborn as 'Iroe Hanageshiki', and the modern rust-painted pattern 'Tetsue' became 'Indépendant', both evolving into vessels that combine practicality with comfort.
And this spring, while retaining its excellent qualities, the 'Marumon' will be delivered to everyone as 'Iroe Hanasarasa'.
< Profile >
1994: Graduated from Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani Ware Technical Training Institute.
Worked at Myosen Tobo, studied under Mr. Choza Yamamoto, trained in sometsuke (blue-and-white ceramics).
2001: Entered Kutani Ware Independence Support Studio Private Room Studio.
2002: Worked at Kutani Seiyo Co., Ltd. Trained in molding (katauchi).
2005: Appointed part-time lecturer at Kinjo College, Ceramics Course.
2008: Became independent from Kutani Seiyo Co., Ltd., focusing on creative activities.
2012: Certified in the comprehensive category of Kutani Ware Traditional Craftsman.
He is a Kutani ware ceramic artist characterized by precise brushwork in blue-and-white.
His pottery mainly centers on techniques that revive old blue-and-white and old Imari styles in the modern era.
Currently, as a traditional craftsman, he also devotes himself to training successors.
< Introducing This Spring's New Work 'Iroe Hanasarasa' >
'Iroe Hanasarasa' retains the traditional shape that has been loved for a long time as 'Marumon' since 2002, but features overglaze color painting instead of blue-and-white.
It is a series where color-painted patterns, unseen in Mr. Yoshioka's solo exhibitions, dance lightly.
It features an oriental pattern inspired by chintz (sarasa) patterns combined with Japanese motifs.
Finished with a light impression by using light blue as an accent color, it is a modern Kutani ware.
< Introduction to the Shoji Yoshioka Collection >
The original series has been a long-seller since 2002, adding marguerite floral crests and geometric patterns to the traditional round crest.
After 24 years, based on the traditionally shaped 'Marumon' series that has been loved for so long, it will be renewed as 'Iroe Hanasarasa' in April 2026.
*This series will end once the current stock is depleted.
< Everyday Use Scenes >
As a dish to accompany the summer staple somen noodles, we plated deep-fried eggplant in broth.
The beautiful blue round crests painted on white porcelain elegantly highlight the food in a cool manner.
It is a modern Kutani ware that maintains an appropriate amount of blank space while following the colorful splendor characteristic of old Kutani.
It features color paintings not seen in Mr. Yoshioka's solo exhibitions.
The cut-corner shape gives a soft impression without looking angular, and the appropriate lightness and thinness of the vessel itself are also appealing.
Recommended for both entertaining guests and everyday use.
There is an individuality unique to hand-painting.
Please enjoy the taste of a one-of-a-kind item.
< Everyday Use Scenes >
Listening to music, reading a book... enjoying the transition from dusk to night and the long evening. Accompanied by cold sake in a glass and snacks on a small Kutani Hanageshiki plate. A time to slowly unwind.
The Indépendant series, whose starting point of conception is the soft presence of Slipware pottery made around the 17th century, is charming for its floating pictures and flowing brushstrokes, as if each item is independent.
It shows various faces depending on the coordination.
The rust painting deliciously enhances the ingredients.
Please enjoy the different expressions of each piece.
*Indépendant means 'independent' in French.
< Everyday Use Scenes >
We made a pot full of stewed dish with vegetables and served it on the 'Indépendant'.
Although it has a monotone and simple shape, the distinctive painting brings a sense of rhythm to the dining table.
Not only for stewed dishes like this, but also for fried rice, yakisoba, curry rice, etc.
At Watashi no Heya, we have been introducing the works of Mr. Shoji Yoshioka for about 25 years.
Mr. Yoshioka, who holds the title of Traditional Craftsman of Kutani ware, creates works that feature precise brushwork in blue-and-white (sometsuke), yet also possess a pop and free-spirited style that exudes a dignified depth.
His skill is such that one wants to call him the 'Magician of Kutani'...
He has created many vessels for us that add a spice-like accent to the modern dining table and make daily meals enjoyable.
< Encounter with Ceramic Artist Shoji Yoshioka >
Our encounter dates back to when Mr. Yoshioka was at 'Kutani Seiyo', a kiln that has produced many artists.
Starting with the long-selling blue-and-white 'Marumon' (round crest) pattern beloved by customers since 2002, he has worked on numerous Watashi no Heya original vessels over the years that bring joy to daily dining.
Driven by a constant desire to provide better products to customers rather than settling for existing ones, the 'Kutani Iroe Sumikiri Kakuzara' (Cut-corner square plate) was reborn as 'Iroe Hanageshiki', and the modern rust-painted pattern 'Tetsue' became 'Indépendant', both evolving into vessels that combine practicality with comfort.
And this spring, while retaining its excellent qualities, the 'Marumon' will be delivered to everyone as 'Iroe Hanasarasa'.
< Profile >
1994: Graduated from Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani Ware Technical Training Institute.
Worked at Myosen Tobo, studied under Mr. Choza Yamamoto, trained in sometsuke (blue-and-white ceramics).
2001: Entered Kutani Ware Independence Support Studio Private Room Studio.
2002: Worked at Kutani Seiyo Co., Ltd. Trained in molding (katauchi).
2005: Appointed part-time lecturer at Kinjo College, Ceramics Course.
2008: Became independent from Kutani Seiyo Co., Ltd., focusing on creative activities.
2012: Certified in the comprehensive category of Kutani Ware Traditional Craftsman.
He is a Kutani ware ceramic artist characterized by precise brushwork in blue-and-white.
His pottery mainly centers on techniques that revive old blue-and-white and old Imari styles in the modern era.
Currently, as a traditional craftsman, he also devotes himself to training successors.
< Introducing This Spring's New Work 'Iroe Hanasarasa' >
'Iroe Hanasarasa' retains the traditional shape that has been loved for a long time as 'Marumon' since 2002, but features overglaze color painting instead of blue-and-white.
It is a series where color-painted patterns, unseen in Mr. Yoshioka's solo exhibitions, dance lightly.
It features an oriental pattern inspired by chintz (sarasa) patterns combined with Japanese motifs.
Finished with a light impression by using light blue as an accent color, it is a modern Kutani ware.
< Introduction to the Shoji Yoshioka Collection >
The original series has been a long-seller since 2002, adding marguerite floral crests and geometric patterns to the traditional round crest.
After 24 years, based on the traditionally shaped 'Marumon' series that has been loved for so long, it will be renewed as 'Iroe Hanasarasa' in April 2026.
*This series will end once the current stock is depleted.
< Everyday Use Scenes >
As a dish to accompany the summer staple somen noodles, we plated deep-fried eggplant in broth.
The beautiful blue round crests painted on white porcelain elegantly highlight the food in a cool manner.
It is a modern Kutani ware that maintains an appropriate amount of blank space while following the colorful splendor characteristic of old Kutani.
It features color paintings not seen in Mr. Yoshioka's solo exhibitions.
The cut-corner shape gives a soft impression without looking angular, and the appropriate lightness and thinness of the vessel itself are also appealing.
Recommended for both entertaining guests and everyday use.
There is an individuality unique to hand-painting.
Please enjoy the taste of a one-of-a-kind item.
< Everyday Use Scenes >
Listening to music, reading a book... enjoying the transition from dusk to night and the long evening. Accompanied by cold sake in a glass and snacks on a small Kutani Hanageshiki plate. A time to slowly unwind.
The Indépendant series, whose starting point of conception is the soft presence of Slipware pottery made around the 17th century, is charming for its floating pictures and flowing brushstrokes, as if each item is independent.
It shows various faces depending on the coordination.
The rust painting deliciously enhances the ingredients.
Please enjoy the different expressions of each piece.
*Indépendant means 'independent' in French.
< Everyday Use Scenes >
We made a pot full of stewed dish with vegetables and served it on the 'Indépendant'.
Although it has a monotone and simple shape, the distinctive painting brings a sense of rhythm to the dining table.
Not only for stewed dishes like this, but also for fried rice, yakisoba, curry rice, etc.