Sustainability-minded ceramic wares from Shiga, Japan. Born from the rich clay of Shigaraki, this pottery carries with it the essence of the land, culture, and history that shape each piece. The rough, tactile surfaces and natural glazes, often created through the use of recycled materials, echo the slow passage of time and the imperfections that tell the story of their origins.

ABOUT SSAN

ARTISANAL
SUSTAINABILITY

Returned to clay, starting the process again to create something new from celebrating imperfections. All pieces contain 30~40% recycled materials.

Shaping the Future of Clay

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SHIGARAKI-YAKI

Returned to clay, starting the process again to create something new from celebrating imperfections. All pieces contain 30~40% recycled materials.

Connected to the Land

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Creative Team

Master
Potter

Kimio Ogawa

As Kimio, the current owner, took control of the business, he began concentrating on production of plateware that reflects his own aesthetic, developed with influence from the tea utensils and vases passed down from the previous family generations. He now aims to provide customer-oriented services rather than larger scale production for wholesale orders.

Creative
Direction

Takuhiro Shinomoto

Based in Los Angeles. Founded Tortoise General Store in 2003 and began presenting Japanese products to an international audience. Visiting workshops and factories throughout Japan, he has built relationships with numerous craftspeople and currently undertakes brand direction and production in fields ranging from tableware to furniture and home fragrance.

Sales
Rep

Taku Nagai

Communication
Design

stillwater

Art Direction
+Visual Design

Carpenter & Stone