Utsuwa - Japanese objects for everyday use

Celebrate the beauty and ethos of Japanese ceramics and the handmade through this intimate exploration of the makers, markets and galleries of Japan.

A piece must be practical enough to be used every day. It must be crafted at its place of origin, using traditional techniques and materials. And it must be handmade.

Japanese craft has long been revered for its quality and beauty, and skilled craftwork remains an important part of Japanese life. ‘Utsuwa’, meaning ‘for everyday use’, embodies the ethos of handmaking in Japan, where handcrafted wares must be as practical as they are beautiful.

This book takes us behind the scenes into the private studios of some of Japan’s most exciting artisans to reveal stories of material, method, place and culture. It guides us through quiet galleries and colourful marketplaces, where the provenance of a piece is central to its story.

Utsuwa is a love letter to the makers and sellers, and to all those who share the Japanese reverence for tradition and beauty.

About the Authors

Kylie Johnson and Tiffany Johnson are sisters living in Brisbane, Australia. They have been travelling to Japan together and separately for over fifteen years. In 2017, they started Kyoto Creative Tours to take small groups on bespoke tours of the makers, markets and galleries of Kyoto.