“Soil Seeds” vase in raw stoneware by Hiroshi Aoki

This vase by Hiroshi Aoki, from his Soil Seeds series, is an expressive and profoundly organic piece. Its shape and textured surface evoke a stone shaped by time. The object exudes a subtle yet powerful presence, a balance between roughness and softness, the quintessence of a timeless Japanese style.

The ceramist
Hiroshi Aoki (born in 1976 in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture) initially studied sculpture before dedicating himself to ceramics. Trained at the Tajimi City Pottery Design Institute, he has developed a personal style in which form, material, and fire are inseparable. His works, exhibited in Japan and abroad, are distinguished by their profound connection to nature.

The technique and the decor

In this series, Aoki uses a mixture of wild clays rich in iron. After firing, he scratches away the thin layer of glaze that has formed on the surface, revealing the underlying clay. This intervention creates a matte, mineral, almost powdery texture, where density and grain vary from area to area. This vase thus retains the traces of the fire and the artist's hand, reflecting the ceramist's desire to allow the material to express its own inherent energy.

Practical information
Place of manufacture
Japan (Tokoname)

Dimensions
Diameter 14 cm - Height 9.7 cm

Weight
726g

Materials
Sandstone (wild clay enriched with iron)

Period
Contemporary

Maintenance tips
Handle with care. Rub gently with a soft cloth and a little water if necessary.