“Nerikomi,” also known as “tatara” or “neriage,” is a traditional Japanese ceramic technique. The patterns, which appear as though they were painted, are in fact created by layering different colored clays to form striated blocks, then slicing them into sheets and fitting them into molds during the shaping process.
The process of layering clay while envisioning the final patterns requires extraordinary time and effort. Creating sharp, linear designs such as those by Mr. Sugimoto demands a particularly high level of skill. Because only a limited number of pieces can be produced at one time, his works are rare and highly valued.
As the artist himself is also a surfer, I feel a special connection with him, and I have the pleasure of designing exhibition cards for his beautiful mingei (folk craft) works every year.
I truly hope that people around the world will come to know and appreciate these remarkable works of Japanese mingei—born from techniques unique to Japan, and from the sensibility of Japanese artisans.
練り込み」は「たたら」とも呼ばれる技法のひとつです。描いたように見えるこの模様は、異なる色の土を重ねて模様となる層を作り、それを板状にカットして型に嵌め込みながら成形することで生まれます。この技法は「練上げ」とも呼ばれます。
模様の仕上がりを想定しながら土を重ねる工程には、非常に多くの手間と時間がかかります。特に、杉本さんのようにくっきりとした直線的なデザインを生み出すのは高度な技術を要し、一度に作れるうつわの数も限られるため、市場に出回る数はごくわずかです。
サーファーでもある作者とは私自身も通じるものがあり、毎年、彼の素敵な民藝作品の展示会用カードを制作させていただいています。
日本の民藝、日本ならではの技法、そして日本人だからこそ生み出せるこの素晴らしい作品を、世界中の人々に知ってもらいたいと願っています。
