Usukiyaki began in the early 1800s in Usuki City, where local kilns produced porcelain such as Suehiroyaki and Sarayamayaki. After the craft disappeared, it was revived in 2015 by Hiroyuki Usami and potter Washio Yashijiri of the Usukiyaki Research Institute, who rebuilt the tradition through research into old kiln records and surviving porcelain pieces.
Their work is guided by the natural forms and floral motifs found in early Usuki ware, which inspired collections like the White Porcelain Floral Series. Each piece is shaped through a blend of handcraft and modern mold casting, allowing gentle distortions, organic silhouettes, and subtle textures to emerge in the firing. The result is tableware that reflects Usuki’s landscape, food culture, and commitment to thoughtful, long-lasting making.
