Gilded chequerboards and wondrous shapes
- Masahiko specialises in traditional Kutani ceramics with a playful twist
- His creations are inspired by his personal memories and his childhood dog
- He takes over the entire creative process, from shaping the pieces to decorating them
Masahiko Toide dedicated his practice to refining the art of Kutani ware, a traditional Japanese ceramic technique, after he graduated from the Kanazawa University of Art and Crafts. Born into a family with a long history in overglaze painting, he found his passion early on. Since opening his own workshop in 1999, Masahiko has focused on combining traditional techniques with personal, meaningful motifs drawn from his childhood, such as the memory of his beloved dog. His work is a reflection of his memories and emotions, capturing the essence of his experiences through vibrant ceramics. As a part-time ceramics lecturer, he continues to inspire and teach new generations.
Interview
- What do you love most about ceramics?
- What I love most is the ability to take my unique ideas and turn them into tangible pieces of art. I find it fulfilling to share my personal memories and emotions through ceramics, and to see how others connect with them.
- Where do you find your inspiration?
- My inspiration stems from the memories and experiences of my childhood. A key influence of mine is my childhood dog, John. The emotional connection I have to him often appears in my work as a recurring motif.
- What is one thing about your craft that people do not know?
- Unlike many Kutani artists who focus on either decoration or shaping, I do both. I create everything myself, from moulding the clay to embellishing the pieces, which allows me to maintain complete control over the final outcome.
- Is there a memorable moment throughout your practice that you still think about?
- One time, I overslept during a firing and the kiln temperature went too high. Initially, I thought the piece was ruined, but when I took it out, the result was much better than I expected. It was a surprising and rewarding moment, even though I had to repair the kiln.
Masahiko Toide is a master artisan: he began his career in 1991 and he started teaching in 1996
