A Masterful Blend of European Design and Japanese Glazes

MISHIM POTTERY CREATION has previously introduced series with various artists, and now, in collaboration with potter Hiroshi Arai, the "soak" series has been born.

As Arai-san puts it, "I aim to create vessels that grow more cherished with daily use." Indeed, the pieces, primarily crafted with *kohiki* (white slip glaze), all seem poised to become integral parts of everyday life. While employing traditional Japanese glazes and techniques, they exude a timeless appeal that transcends generations, genders, and eras through their European-inspired design. This aligns perfectly with mishim's philosophy: to create items cherished and used daily, with the hope that they will one day become cherished antiques.

Forms of Handcraft: Familiar Yet Unique

Hiroshi Arai, born in Aichi Prefecture in 1970, is a ceramic artist. He primarily creates *kohiki* pottery and objets, working meticulously on the potter's wheel. His pitchers, teapots, milk pitchers, and various plates, adorned with beautiful glazes, possess an aesthetic that defies easy categorization as purely Japanese or Western. Even the mugs, offered in both single and double sizes, showcase a thoughtful direction that prioritizes the user's experience.

These beautiful vessels inspire endless ideas for how to serve food or how to use them. They possess an inherent charm that suggests they will become treasured antiques with daily use. The series is scheduled for release in late October 2015.