We will be holding the "Nariyoshi Morioka and Yuriko Morioka Exhibition" from Saturday, January 11th to Tuesday, January 14th, 2025! @Uehara Store

From Saturday, January 11 to Tuesday, January 14, 2025, FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara will be holding the
“Shigeo Morioka & Yuriko Morioka Exhibition”
OPEN 11:00 - 18:00 (No reservations required)

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Mr. Shigeo Morioka and Ms. Yuriko Morioka are a husband and wife duo that many ceramists in the same field refer to as their “goal” and “inspiration.”

Following their exhibition at the same time last year, the couple's joint exhibition will be held again! Please consider it more of a trunk show than a full-scale solo exhibition.

At the foot of Mt. Koya, deep in the mountains away from human habitation, they built their home and studio with their own hands. They constructed several kilns, centered around a wood-fired kiln over 10 meters long. Mr. Shigeo's signature “Nanban Yakishime” consumes tens of tons of firewood in a single firing, with the kiln being continuously fired for 10 days to bake thousands of pieces at once. They have been practicing this style for over 40 years. When one considers how much heat they have imbued into the clay over the years, their very existence elevates to something mystic.

This time, our director, Yuko Watanabe, visited the couple's kilns. A selection of exquisite pieces, curated from the perspective of a chef for “easy-to-use tableware,” will be on display.

Mr. Shigeo's works focus on Nanban Yakishime. Initially, Nanban has an impression of a dry, hard tone, but with daily use, as it absorbs oils from food, its surface develops a luster, its color mellows, and it transforms into a unique and beautiful object. We want you to use it every day, repairing it as needed. There will be masterpieces that you can cherish and nurture throughout your life. In any case, for customers who have already collected some tableware, we hope they will use these kinds of pieces that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. The owner's hidden recommendation is Mr. Shigeo's coffee pot. We believe it is a piece that everyone should own.

Ms. Yuriko's works are unglazed white porcelain made with the "namagake" (raw glaze) technique. These pieces also absorb the heat from the wood-fired kiln, exuding a unique presence with their profoundness and sense of luxury. This time, we intentionally focused on easy-to-use plates and bowls, offering a collection that is approachable for customers acquiring Ms. Yuriko's works for the first time. Popular pieces such as lidded containers and vases with a strong influence of Joseon dynasty ceramics, as well as high-footed plates for special occasions, will also be available.

Their works are gaining increasing recognition overseas, leading to more exhibitions, and it is likely to become even more difficult to acquire their pieces in the future.

We sincerely hope that the discerning customers in Uehara will experience the true power of their creations.
We look forward to your visit.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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“Shigeo Morioka & Yuriko Morioka Exhibition”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara
Saturday, January 11 - Tuesday, January 14, 2025
OPEN 11:00 - 18:00 (No reservations required)

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara
2-33-4 Uehara, Shibuya-ku
03-6416-8294