MASAAKI IWASA

Masaaki Iwasa is a ceramic artist based in Izumo. Born in Ehime Prefecture in 1979, he was first drawn to ceramics through the tokkuri sake flasks of Rokuro Nakamura. He later trained for eight years in the traditions of Bizen and Shigaraki ware before establishing his own kiln and independent practice in Izumo.

Alongside his work as a ceramic artist, Iwasa also serves as the head priest of a temple. This dual practice informs the atmosphere of his work, which carries a sense of restraint and contemplation while remaining deeply material in its presence. His early exploration of unglazed ceramics developed into a broader investigation of surface and texture, eventually leading him to create his distinctive totai-shikki works.

Totai-shikki, or ceramic lacquerware, combines fired clay with layers of lacquer and silver foil before undergoing a further firing process. Through this technique, Iwasa creates surfaces that resemble weathered metal while retaining the weight and character of clay. His vessels possess a tension between refinement and rawness, reflecting both the austere landscapes of the San’in region and his interest in pushing beyond conventional approaches to pottery.