Airi Kagamihara 'Deep Bowl III'

Dimensions - H 6.5cm x Ø 15cm

Material - Stoneware 

Method - Mixture of hand built and moulding techniques 

Care - Gentle hand wash, do not soak, do not scrub 

Description

Airi Kagamihara’s series of darker works are fired using a traditional carbonisation technique, in which the unglazed pieces are enclosed with rice husks or charcoal and fired in a low-oxygen environment. The process results in surfaces of deep black tones interrupted by smoky greys. 

Working with coarse, unrefined clay, Kagamihara fires a large portion of her work in an electric kiln, as well as occasionally using a gas kiln to allow flame and atmosphere to create greater depth and complexity across the surface.

The resulting forms possess poetic restraint, minimal silhouettes with gentle curves and contrasting sharply defined rims, and matt, softly textured surfaces embracing the qualities of the raw clay, while the deep black finish is animated by unpredictable cloud like passages, reminiscent of the shifting tones of a night sky.

About the Artist 

Airi Kagamihara is a ceramic artist based in Kagawa Prefecture. Her work focuses on the relationship between clay, touch and the gradual changes that occur through daily use. Using coarse clay and carefully controlled firing methods, she creates softly textured vessels with pale, weathered surfaces that emphasise the natural character of the material. Kagamihara graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical College in 2020 and the Tajimi City Ceramic Design Institute in 2023.

Read more about Airi's practice and view her full collection..