Kazunori Hamana

Working from his farm in the Shiga prefecture, Hamana explores the relationship between his vessels and the surroundings in which they are made. Hamana utilises locally sourced clay and traditional techniques as he references the Japanese tsubo — a functional jar used to store and process crops.

Whilst Hamana’s distinctive mark-making displays his own presence as the artist, he counteracts this by leaving the works outdoors, inviting the influence of the elements. The patina that naturally occurs reaffirms the tsubos’ inherent relationship to nature, and reinforces Hamana’s own kinship with his working landscape.

Blue Mountain School has held two exhibitions by Hamana: in 2019—the first exhibition of his work in the UK, here—and again in 2023, here.

Hamana’s works are available exclusively at Blue Mountain School in the UK.