Wada Akira 和田 的 b. 1978

Born 1978, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Like many from the younger generation of Japanese ceramists, WADA AKIRA works within the medium of white porcelain. He first throws and then carefully carves the surfaces of his nominally functional forms that read more as sculpture than vessel. Due to the absolute precision required in using delicate dental-style tools to carve each ceramic, the making of a single sake cup may consume an entire day. Wada chooses to leave his vessels unglazed with a matte white surface or applies a clear glaze that softens the edges and reflects the light, focusing the eye of the viewer on form and contours of the vessel. These uniquely sculptural porcelains have earned Wada grand prize awards at the Paramita Ceramic Competition, The TOKI Oribe Contemporary Teaware Exhibition and the Kikuchi Biennale at the Musée Tomo, despite his young age.