YAMASHITA MASAYUKI

Born in Matsumoto City, Nagano prefecture, 1952:
Based in Yakushima, Kagoshima
Kiln: Haniigama (previously Ataragama)

初訪問 • 山下さんの工房にお邪魔させて頂きました❤️

Although born in Nagano prefecture, Yamashita san spent 10 years in Kyoto learning pottery techniques before moving to Yakushima around 40 years ago. In 1986, he built his anagama (a long tunnel like kiln), and in 2007, during a rebuild, the name of the kiln was changed to Haniigama in honour of his 9 month old daughter Hanii, who passed away.

Yamashita san told us that he only fires the kiln 3-4 times a year, avoiding the summertime as is too hot. Wood firing is extremely labour intensive and in his case it takes around 4 days. Chopping enough wood is essential. The more chaotic nature of wood firing means more uncertainty when it comes to the condition and appearance of the final pieces, usually with lots of surprises in store.

While the neighbouring island, Tanegashima, has had kilns since the Edo era (1603-1898), Yamashita san explained to us that Yakushimayaki didn't actually exist when he first moved there. Instead of glazing his work directly, he uses the yakijime method of allowing the extremely high temperature and long firing time to naturally glaze his work, which is made from a mixture of mineral rice clay from both Tanegashima and Yakushima.

In addition to teaware, sake ware, and a wide range of tableware, Yamashita san also makes animal sculptures. Initially starting with kame (turtle) for which Yakushima is an important nesting site. He added other animals and before he knew it, his collection had grown to include deer, whales, rabbits, birds, dragons, and more.

We were introduced to Yamashita san's work through Watanabe san - a local organic tea farmer and producer who we were grateful to have had the opportunity to meet during our time on the island. Thank you Watanabe san!

On the day of our visit we were warmly welcomed by Yamashita san. He took his time to explain to us about his work and show us his studio, and we were especially amazed by his animal sculptures. We are so excited to be bringing some of his work back to Manchester to use inside the teahouse!

If you are ever visiting the island, we highly recommend visiting him.