Gaku ceramics / Gaku Shakunaga

Artist : Gaku Shakunaga
Material : pottery / ceramics
Area : Higashiiwase, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Gaku Shakunaga, born in 1978 in Toyama Prefecture, hails from a family of potters who have passed down the tradition of Etchū-Seto Yaki ceramics for generations. While studying sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts, he developed a deep fascination with clay and the rich techniques of traditional Japanese ceramics. After receiving advanced training at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramists' Technical Institute and apprenticing under his father, Shakunaga established his own atelier in Iwase, Toyama Prefecture, in 2006, where he continues to explore innovative approaches to his craft.

His brand, GAKU ceramics, evokes the beauty of nature, drawing inspiration from Earth, Mars, and the dawn. Shakunaga works closely with chefs in Toyama to create pottery that reflects his deep appreciation for the natural world. While cherishing tradition, he constantly seeks new expressions in ceramics, blending inherited techniques with cutting-edge approaches to create unique and evolving works. For Shakunaga, preserving tradition means not only honoring the past but also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ceramic art.