ARTISTS /TAKETOSHI ITO

Taketoshi Ito (b.1981) is from Japan, renowned for his works that feature clean silhouettes, unique forms, and intricate hand-carved patterns. At first glance, his pieces appear to be metallic castings, but they are actually meticulously handcrafted through the traditional technique of hand-throwing.

 

The pierced structures in Ito's work were inspired by the Venetian-style architecture he encountered during his travels. In the early stages of his creative process, Ito also showed interest in working with metal and woodworking, which he has incorporated into his ceramic creations through a distinctive "scraping" decorative method. The combination of these diverse materials, including the blackened metallic tones, imbues his works with a subtle yet captivating luminescence.

 

Ito's work, which primarily consist of uniquely shaped teaware, tableware, and vases, exude a mysterious and distinctive ambiance, embodying his unique artistic approach. As a craftsman, Ito is known for his unwavering passion and strict self-imposed standards. He is particularly focused on the silhouette of his works, stating that the form alone should be recognizable as his own. If the outline is not aesthetically pleasing, he is unwilling to exhibit the piece.

 

Through the combination of traditional making techniques and meticulous carving, Ito constructs various creative possibilities, seeking to evoke a visual captivation. The distinctive forms and delicate hand-carved patterns of his works silently radiate beauty under the play of light, reflecting Ito's profound dialogue with the art of ceramics.

 

 

1981   Born in Saitama Prefecture, Japan

2002  Work at the Mashiko pottery after drop out of University

2006  Independence from Mashiko pottery

2007  Move on his own kiln to the Mashiko town

           Join to the exhibition at New York 

           After that every year he did solo exhibition all over Japan 

2013   Exhibit at Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum and Mashiko Ceramic Art Museum

2017   Exhibit 【5 Mashiko potters exhibition】at Gold Mark Gallery in England

　　　Workshop at Clay College in England

2018  Received the Takashimaya Chantable Trust for Art and Culture

           Exhibit Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum 

2019  Solo exhibit at ataraxia gallery in Shanghai

           Solo exhibit at Chapelle des penitents noirs d’Aubagne in France 

           Workshop at School.Ceramic.De. Provence Adef in France 

2022  Exhibit Mashiko Ceramic Art Museum

           Solo exhibit at THZ Gallery in Taiwan every year since 2016

2024  Solo exhibition at Shanghai Craft Art Museum

           Solo exhibition at kurashi crafts in Melbourne, Australia

           Solo exhibition at Touch Ceramics in Hong Kong

           Annual solo exhibitions at Tao Hua Zhai Art Gallery in Taiwan since 2016

           Annual solo exhibitions at Ginza Mitsukoshi in Tokyo since 2011