[Asanogama Pottery] Mayuko Ichino Interview

September 19 - 27, 2026
Mayuko Ichino's solo exhibition "Flower, Dot & Wonder" from "Asanogama" will be held at Maison Toji (Meguro-ku, Tokyo).

For this solo exhibition, we interviewed Mayuko-san about herself and her creative process.

Self-introduction

I am Mayuko Ichino, a ceramic artist working in Tanba-Sasayama City.
I graduated from Okayama Prefectural University, Faculty of Design, Ceramic Design Course in 2016, and began working as a ceramic artist at "Shozogama," a Tanba ware kiln, in 2017.
In 2024, I became independent as "Asanogama," and I continue my work to this day.

About materials and techniques

The dot pattern, which symbolizes Asanogama's works, is drawn one by one using a brush with glaze and slip.

"By using a brush, each dot has a unique and interesting shape," says Ichino-san.
She explains that she makes small indentations where the dots are placed, so that the glaze collects easily, allowing the colors to develop beautifully.

On the other hand, the combination and balance of colors are challenging.
Even with the same dot pattern, the impression changes significantly depending on the color choices.

Inspiration for the Dot Series

Ichino-san often draws inspiration from her surroundings and living creatures.
The representative Dot Series was born from an art exhibition called "Neo-Impressionism Exhibition" that she saw during her university days.

"Even though each dot had a different color, from a distance, they looked like soft, gentle hues. I wanted to try that with ceramics."

After returning to Tanba, she began incorporating the Tanba clay itself into her pointillist technique.
The reddish-brown dots seen in her works are, she says, the color of Tanba clay.

Future outlook

"From now on, I want to try expressions that utilize the clay itself," says Ichino-san.

"Currently, many of my pieces are made to look white with white slip, but I hope to create works that highlight red clay while still expressing my unique style."

About the works on display this time

For this solo exhibition, she selected works primarily from her recent creations.

The highlight is the display of both her existing Dot Series and new works using amber glaze.

"Amber glaze tends to have a subdued color, but I made these pieces hoping to create cute designs while still utilizing that characteristic."

To all visitors

"This is my first solo exhibition in Tokyo. I look forward to meeting many people. Thank you for your support."

―――

Mayuko Ichino, thank you for your valuable insights!

It was clear that each carefully drawn dot pattern by hand reflected Ichino-san's playful spirit and meticulous attention to detail.
At the venue, you can experience the texture of her works firsthand.

During the exhibition period, baked goods from "cocoru," a patisserie scheduled to open near our shop this autumn, will also be available for purchase.
Please also enjoy the combination of Mayuko-san's charming vessels and the carefully crafted baked goods.

We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Exhibition Overview

During the exhibition, baked goods paired with Asanogama's ceramics will also be available. After the exhibition, we plan to sell them online, so please look forward to it if you are unable to visit.