Not picky about clay, in the birthplace of Karatsu ware.

Operating his kiln now for nearly 40 years, Mr. Nakashima takes a laid back approach to his work. Born to a tile maker in Karatsu, his path to Karatsu ware was natural. After apprenticing with Shinomine Nakazatogama, Inoue Manji, and Eguchi Souzan of Taikousannomarugama, he chose to open his studio in Kitahata, the birthplace of Karatsu ceramics.

“I'm not picky about clay”, he states. He uses clay from Imari, Takeo, and Nagasaki as well as Kishidake, stressing that just making something from Kishidake clay doesn't make it Karatsu ware.

Protecting tradition by keeping up with the times

Mr. Nakashima preserves traditional methods while making work that keeps up with the times. The methods and techniques of Karatsu have changed since 400 years ago, and Mr. Nakashima believes we must continue to change and adapt to the needs of our times.

Rather than a rustic subdued look, Mr. Nakashima's work is centered around more durable porcelainous ware for everyday use. He uses colors rarely seen in Karatsu ware, and has many female fans. “Most pottery buyers are women, it's just how it is. I want them to be comfortable putting my pots on their dining tables.” Mr Nakashima's work can be found at Furusato Kaikan Arupino and Kishidake Furusato Yakata.