My encounter with pottery and the place called "Kosei Kiln"

It all began when I was struck by the flames of a wood-fired kiln.
I took over the workshop started by my father in 2017, and now I create here with my family and cats. The simplicity and warmth of Shigaraki. I feel like the atmosphere of the land naturally seeps into my work.

Giving shape to animals

Dogs and cats are always close to us in our daily lives, and we never tire of watching them. I work on each one, hoping to recreate their adorable behavior in my own way.
What's important to me is not to put too much of my own feelings into my work. I try to leave some space for the viewer to feel free to interpret it as they wish.

The seeds of my work lie in the days I spend with cats

My day starts in the morning by taking care of my cats. I take care of them and watch them behave in their own way before I get to work. Sometimes they'll climb onto my lap, sometimes they'll quietly move away... Their freedom helps me every day. Life and art are always connected. I feel that everyday life itself is the foundation for my work.

To those who pick it up

My work connects me with someone, somewhere. It makes me very happy to think of it that way. I hope that the animals bring a little happiness to each person's life. I hope that this enriching time will bring kindness to someone else's daily life.

Kosei Kiln Three mascot cats

Cats are a particularly common motif among Kosei Kiln's works. This may be due to the three cats that live there. Kinzo and Charo are brother and sister cats who live in the workshop, and Miia, who spends her time lounging around in the living room at home. Each cat became part of the family after a chance encounter. Now, they are so precious to us that we can't imagine life without them.
The cats, who are active members of the family, have a wide range of duties, from patrolling the area around the workshop to acting as models for the works, entertaining customers, and even acting as hot water bottles on cold days.
Looking at them, the ceramic animals are like my juniors. I send them out one by one with all my heart, hoping that they will become a presence that brings peace and smiles to people's lives.

A simple and beautiful form of small life that comes from the forests of Shigaraki.
Maekawa's works are a quiet dialogue between the earth, life, and animals.
At &CAT, we are truly pleased to be able to offer works from Kosei Kiln.
We hope that these cats will gently accompany cat lovers in their daily lives.

Click here for Kosei Kiln products
Small Animals (Small) , Small Animals (Large)