Atsushi Ogata

Atsushi Ogata is a Japanese potter based in Nara prefecture. Many craftsmen reside here thanks to the beautiful countryside and close proximity to cities such as Osaka and Kyoto. Ogata was raised in Tokyo and worked in the publishing world before seeking a quieter life outside of the big city.

He took to pottery later on in his career, studying under a master in the famous pottery city of Seto. Originally focusing on decorative techniques and colourful glazes, Ogata's ceramics have slowly evolved in to more rustic tableware that dares to show the natural beauty in the clay residing beneath.

His process starts on the wheel and later turns to a wood firing that lasts a few days. To diversify his glazing he also experiments with gas firing and digs his own clay to produce beautiful, natural-looking surfaces on his pots.