Interview and Text: B-OWND
Photos: Kimura Photo Office, Green fi↓m Tatsuya Nakanobu, B-OWND
PROFILE Yuki Inoue
Born in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture in 1988. As the grandson of the late Manji Inoue, a Living National Treasure for white porcelain, he inherited the traditional techniques of white porcelain and the potter's wheel as the third-generation head of the Manji Inoue Kiln.
Starting from the "breakable" nature of porcelain, he develops works that quietly question the meaning of living thoughtfully, focusing on the preciousness of everyday things such as daily life, the environment, peace, and family.
He explores the ideal form of craft in contemporary society, moving back and forth between the disciplined beauty of tradition and the fluctuations of his own bodily sensations.
—Five years ago, we interviewed Mr. Inoue under the title "Young Potter Bringing a New Breeze to Arita Ware." Now, five years later, how do you view your ceramic work?
Inoue The porcelain I work with can be used in daily life and has the characteristic of being "breakable." I understand this characteristic and enjoy exploring what I can create, considering my background, environment, and circumstances, and how I can deliver things that bring happiness to someone's life or heart, or provide various perspectives and new values. And fundamentally, I want to bring joy to the people who see and use my work.