Ashwork
陶工房アッシュワーク
Based in Yonago, Tottori, Ashwork is the ceramic studio of Yoshie Ashizuka. The name "Ashwork" originates from her student days when she signed her pieces with the simple initials "ASH." Today, alongside her creative work, she shares the joy of working with clay through her local pottery classes.
The Spirit of the Bird
Being born in the Year of the Rooster and possessing a lifelong love for birds, Ashizuka naturally draws inspiration from avian motifs. Swallows and other winged companions often grace her work, bringing a sense of lightness and movement to the dining table.
The first thing one notices when holding an Ashwork piece is its remarkable lightness. By blending materials such as semi-porcelain and Shigaraki clay, she creates vessels that are surprisingly easy to handle, prioritizing comfort for daily use.
Her textures are achieved through techniques like Kakiotoshi (scraped finish, sgraffito) and Zogan (inlay). In a nod to her studio’s name, she also utilizes wood ash from stoves in her glazes, creating a soft, organic finish that only hand-applied minerals can provide.
Playful Curiosity
Ashizuka’s creativity extends into whimsical territory. Her collection includes unique cups shaped like the prefectures of Tottori and Shimane, as well as her "Mame" (miniature) series—pieces so small they can rest upon a five-yen coin. By blending traditional craftsmanship with a playful perspective, Ashwork creates ceramics that are as delightful to the heart as they are functional in the home.
