“Soil Seeds” vase in raw stoneware by Hiroshi Aoki

This vase by Hiroshi Aoki, from his Soil Seeds series, is an expressive and deeply 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 epitome of a timeless Japanese style.

The ceramist
Hiroshi Aoki (born 1976 in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture) first studied sculpture before devoting himself to ceramics. Trained at the Tajimi City Pottery Design Institute, he developed a personal language 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 iron-rich wild clays. After firing, he scrapes away the thin layer of glaze that has formed on the surface, revealing the underlying earth. This intervention creates a matte, mineral, almost powdery texture, where the density and grain vary depending on the area. This vase thus retains the traces of the fire and the gesture, reflecting the ceramist's desire to let the material express its own energy.

Practical information
Place of manufacture
Japan (Yamaguchi)

Dimensions
Diameter 14 cm - Height 9.7 cm

Weight
726gr

Materials
Sandstone (wild clay enriched with iron)

Period
Contemporary

Care instructions
Handle with care. Rub gently with a soft cloth and a little water if necessary.