From January 21 until January 26, fans of ceramic art will be able to see the Glitter exhibition at the Tambourin Gallery in Shibuya-ku. While the name might bring to mind images of Hollywood glitz and glamor, the Glitter exhibition is actually a great deal more down to earth than this. Mari Tsuchiya is a unique potter who primarily works with colorful ceramics.

Her work has taken the form mostly of ovenware pieces and casserole dishes. Unlike those who produce pieces that should be put on a pedestal and examined closely, Tsuchiya actually intends her work to be used. These dishes and bowls could very well be used for baking.

Ceramic cassrole bowls

Mari Tsuchiya’s exhibition at the Tambourin Gallery consists primarily of folksy pieces that are still firmly rooted in tradition.

Anyone who wanted to pick one up and throw it in the oven technically could. Ceramic pieces like this are surprisingly sturdy. The types of glazes she uses should be able to stand up to the discoloration that naturally occurs as a result of cooking. Chefs should still be able to clean a piece even if a casserole boils over the side and hardens. That being said, art fans would probably cringe at the very thought of using one of these pieces.

They certainly do look more attractive behind a museum display. Some of her techniques are rather creative, and might even defy classification into one of the usual schools of yakimono thought. She does sometimes make use of standard porcelain though. Porcelain has long been valued for its use in cookware.

Small ceramic ovenware

Each of Mari Tsuchiya’s bowls are made individually.

Tsuchiya uses a special over glaze hand dye method to put nice patterns onto the sides of her bowls. These patterns are relatively eclectic, and they don’t seem to follow any particular tradition. They aren’t even really basic geometric patterns. Instead each piece has its own unique sort of personal theme. This might be due to the fact that the artist has led such a unique life.

She was born in Hayama, but from 1990-1992 she studied abroad in Canada. She’s had many solo exhibitions, and she’s also been involved in the department of ceramics at the Kyoto Seika University. As a result her history is quite eclectic, and it’s had a profound influence on her work as an artist.

The exhibition will be held at the Tambourin Gallery, and is open from 11:00 until 19:00 on exhibition days. Admission is free. Best of all for art fans is the fact that the gallery isn’t located too far from the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art.