'Koto no Ha', a solo exhibition of works by Yukico Yamada

Online from 7.30pm Thursday 6th February

Yukico Yamada is a Tamba-based ceramicist living in an old neighbourhood where traditional wooden houses are preserved, nestled among mountains and forests. Growing up in rural Osaka, she developed an instinctive appreciation for nature - a deep influence that continues to shape her practice. Since her first solo exhibition in Kyoto in 2019, she has exhibited internationally in group shows across New Zealand, China, and Japan.

Yamada’s ceramics fuse elegance with irregularity - earthy yet refined, with undulating lines, soft curves, and skewed edges. Her minimalist works embody a poetic observation of nature, shaped through skilled hand building techniques, subtle glazes, and electric kiln firing. Each piece captures fleeting moments: the smell of the earth, the sway of grass, and the hush of the wind.

Titled 'Koto no Ha', an old Japanese phrase for "words," this exhibition reflects Yamada’s contemplation of fragments - of events, objects, and nature. Rooted in Japan’s culture of subtlety and introspection, her works invite interpretation, much like words left unspoken between the lines

"My works are spun from fragments of natural things around me. I always feel that it is similar to weaving words. When I create, I sometimes write down words that move me, translating them into form. Perhaps I shape my works as if I am weaving words for the natural elements that inspire me – wind, fog, plants, and light.”

Through delicate hand-built forms and muted glazes, Yamada distils the essence of her rural upbringing, expressing both elegance and imperfection. Her ceramics embody the quiet beauty of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and natural surroundings, evoking moments of stillness and contemplation.

Marking Yamada’s first solo exhibition in London, 'Koto no Ha' offers a deeper exploration of her poetic practice. We are delighted to share this exceptional collection, showcasing her unique ability to transform fleeting impressions into timeless forms