Toshiaki is the 19th generation of the renowned Mori family of potters. As a child, he played with clay before he had even begun to speak. Through his father, Yasushi, he learned not only masterful techniques but also the family philosophy. Toshiaki tells us, “Bizen Pottery is not a tradition for the sake of artists – but a culture for the sake of the people.” He stresses the cultural value of Bizen Pottery, which enriches people’s lives by embodying wabi-sabi, a traditional Japanese aesthetic that embraces the beauty in imperfection. His belief in the cultural importance of Bizen Pottery led him to study Cultural Property for his bachelor’s degree. Now, Toshiaki continuously adapts his art style to modern customers’ tastes and aspires to spread Japanese culture worldwide through Bizen Pottery.

Background

1982 Born in Bizen, Okayama

2005 Bachelor of Cultural Property, Beppu University

Awards & Exhibitions

2007 Award winning for Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition (afterwards, winning in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

2010 Award winning for Japan Traditional Art Craft Exhibition (afterwards, winning in 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021)

2014 Exhibitions in Iowa and New York, US

2015 Exhibitions in London and Devon, UK

2018 Crafted pieces for the Japanese and Ecuadorian governments to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the diplomatic relation

2020 Exhibition in Taiwan