Makoto Saito

Makoto Saito, a 2014 graduate of Kanazawa University of Arts and Crafts, has established his studio in the renowned ceramic hub of Seto, Aichi Prefecture. Though immersed in a region steeped in pottery tradition, Saito approaches his craft with a modern sensibility. His work, influenced by the iconic designs of Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, showcases the beauty of semi-porcelain clay. He expertly forms light, graceful shapes on the wheel, which are then meticulously finished with four layers of engobe and enamel, applied using a natural sponge. This distinctive process creates subtly varied hues and textures, elevating his functional pieces to the level of art, inviting both use and contemplation.