The Nevica Project

Katsunori Sawa (信楽焼, Shigaraki ware)
Born: 1980, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Katsunori Sawa is a talented potter based in Shigaraki, Kōka City, Shiga Prefecture, where he specializes in crafting Shigaraki ware, known for its bold, rugged shapes, and Oribe ware, celebrated for its originality and whimsical designs. One of his most striking works, the Yashichida Oribe, features vibrant orange and green lines paired with playful depictions of birds and plants on a yellowish clay surface. The iron decorations, known for their humorous style, captivate and delight viewers.

Born into a family of ceramists, Sawa’s artistic roots run deep. His father, a skilled ceramic artist, and his grandfather, who mass-produced ceramic braziers (hibachi) and other household items, were significant influences on his early exposure to the craft.

Though Sawa didn't initially plan to become a ceramist, a pivotal experience during his high school years set him on that path. On a business trip with his father, he visited a permanent exhibition showcasing Oribe ware. It was there that Sawa realized his calling and made the decision to pursue ceramics professionally.

To refine his craft, Sawa apprenticed under renowned ceramic artist Suzuki Goro, where he spent three years training under Goro's meticulous guidance. After completing his apprenticeship in 2005, Sawa returned to his hometown of Shigaraki to begin his professional career. Since then, he has rapidly gained recognition for his exceptional skill and unique approach to pottery. His works are regularly exhibited in prestigious galleries, and he has achieved international success with sold-out exhibitions in Tokyo, as well as growing recognition in the United States and Singapore.