FREE entry Japanese Mashiko Ceramics Collection at Keiko Uchida

Experience a curated viewing of Mashiko ceramics at Keiko Uchida Gallery & Craft Tea Store. This free exhibition brings together works from six different artists and kilns, offering a rich cross-section of one of Japan’s most respected pottery traditions. Get an General Admission Free Anytime Day Ticket and visit anytime between 11-6.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The town of Mashiko has long been associated with the mingei (folk craft) movement, which celebrated the beauty of honest, functional objects made for everyday life. Mashiko ware is known for its earthy local clay, natural ash glazes, expressive brushwork and wood-fired character—pottery shaped by hand and transformed by flame. Many of the pieces on view reflect this mingei philosophy: balanced, tactile forms that feel both grounded and generous in use.

The collection features a wide range of contemporary makers, from established kiln families to distinctive emerging artists, each bringing their own interpretation to Mashiko’s living tradition. Among them are works by Tomoo Hamada, known for his iconic shioyaki (salt-fired) ceramics, where salt introduced into the kiln creates softly textured, orange-peel surfaces and natural variations that can never be repeated. Also included are pieces by Kan Matsuzaki, whose interest in yōhen ash glazes results in striking, unpredictable textures formed entirely by kiln effects, alongside Oribe-style tea bowls with bold green tones and expressive, asymmetrical forms.

Across the exhibition, every work is handmade and individually fired. No moulds, no duplicates—each bowl, cup, or vessel is a singular piece, shaped by the artist’s hand and marked uniquely by the kiln.

Visit the gallery to explore the depth and diversity of Mashiko ceramics in London. Free entry.

Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00am–6:30pm

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Host or Publisher Keiko Uchida