The "Michiichi and Tomoko Sakai Exhibition" will be held at the Uehara store from Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, April 29!

From Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, April 29, FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara will host an exhibition by ceramic artist couple Michikazu Sakai and Tomoko Sakai. The couple will be in-store on the opening day!

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Based in the satoyama countryside of Kagawa Prefecture, the Sakai couple creates pottery using wood-fired kilns. They deliberately choose the demanding process of wood-firing for the depth and fascination of the kiln effects created by variations in firing temperature and timing. They also say that simply producing sturdy pottery is another reason. 

Michikazu’s lineup includes his signature Oribe glaze, as well as mimosa glaze, kohiki, Namban yakishime, and manganese glaze. Please enjoy a wide selection, from familiar everyday plates and bowls to gorgeous warped plates and tea utensils.

Michikazu’s Oribe glaze features a matte deep green base with a variety of kiln effects. Its versatility makes it a perfect match for Japanese, Western, ethnic, Chinese, and Korean cuisine, as well as any other dish. This collection is highly recommended not only for home use but also for use in restaurants, as a full set is available. The mimosa glaze is made from the ash of mimosa plants grown in the couple’s garden, and its uniquely delicate color makes it a popular choice. This is also the first time we will showcase pieces featuring iron designs on kohiki! Please do not miss them.

Tomoko’s work is characterized by its precise yet smooth silhouettes. The pots and pitchers feature bold curves and narrow necks, giving them beautiful, feminine proportions. The bowls and basins have slender bases, creating a pleasant sense of tension. Her masterful balance of tension and form lends elegance even to the user’s movements.

This exhibition will feature a rich selection of tools for enjoying Chinese tea, including burners for alcohol lamps and tea utensils. Please enjoy selecting pieces while chatting with Tomoko, as many of these popular items are highly sought after. Other charming pieces that offer a glimpse into Tomoko’s curiosity will also be on display!

We will gradually introduce the couple’s featured pieces on Instagram, so please look forward to it.

For this exhibition, the couple has prepared a wide selection of not only tableware but also flower vessels and tea utensils. The full lineup includes pots, teapots, teacups, gaiwans, and heat-resistant series such as clay teapots and refractory pitchers. From long-time fans of the Sakai couple to those picking up their work for the first time, everyone will find this rich collection deeply satisfying!

The couple will be in-store on the opening day, Saturday, April 25. This is a rare opportunity to get tips on selecting pieces, so do not miss it!

Our entire staff looks forward to welcoming you. (Haruna)

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“Michikazu Sakai and Tomoko Sakai Exhibition”
Saturday, April 25–Wednesday, April 29
11:00–18:00 / No reservation required

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara
2-33-4 Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0064
03-6416-8294