An encounter with Old Karatsu ware brought him to Kitahata

Sarayagama's owner, Ohashi Yutaka was born in Gofukumachi, Karatsu. As a boy, he worked for a neighborhood potter making masks, and this is how he became interested in pottery. At 23 he became an apprentice of Nakano Tochi and learned sculpture, but along the way visited old kiln ruins and became obsessed with Old Karatsu ware, particularly the clay of the Kitahata region, and it inspired him to build his kiln and studio there.

He believes that to make good pots you must understand your clay. After he personally digs up and prepares his own clay, he lets it age for years, which is how it develops its own unique look and feel.

Making bold work, and working to train the next generation

Mr. Ohashi feels that he gets very few well fired pieces, but that doesn't dampen his enthusiasm for clay and fire. Many of the ideas for his pieces come from nature. The bold expression in his large work and modern object d'art is very appealing.

Mr. Ohashi currently 71 years old. As a pioneer for the recreation of Kishidake style Karatsu ware, he has taught many apprentices. Currently, he is teaching his techniques to his two daughters, Megumi and Tomoeda. His works can be seen in his studio as well as his shop near Karatsu station.