Toshikazu Kitano

Toshikazu Kitano

Born in Fukui Prefecture, Kitano-san worked at Kutani Seiyo before establishing his own studio, Saisaion-gama, in Kanazawa. Drawing inspiration from classics such as old blue-and-white porcelain (ko-sometsuke), he has spent many years pursuing the beauty of blue-and-white ceramics.

Born from diligent, sincere work and an unsparing commitment to learning, his pieces possess a certain warmth and approachable character.

His ceramics feature various creatures, including auspicious patterns, deer, dragons, rabbits, and cats. Although elaborately decorated, the pieces feel surprisingly natural to use at the everyday dining table, blending seamlessly with and enhancing the food they hold. They are vessels whose quality you come to appreciate more deeply the more you use them.