Concept
Atelier Line is a series of vessels made by the atelier’s artisans, trained by Hijiri Tougane, who carry on her forms and techniques.
“Hashiradate” (柱立て), the setting of pillars, is the sculptural expression that symbolizes her work. The piece that marked its beginning and brought a major turning point to her creation is the “Captain Teacup & Saucer.” Her own making of teacups in this shape has come to a close with the works released so far. To hand down to the next generation the form, the technique and the spirit that dwell in this origin: with that intention, the original work was reconstructed as the “Cushion Pillar Teacup & Saucer,” and was born as the first piece to symbolize Atelier Line.
The artisans carry on, through their daily work, the forming techniques of “Gaba-ikomi” and “assembly,” which were being lost. For the patterns, they use traditional “copperplate transfer,” in which patterns printed from copper plates are transferred by hand one sheet at a time. Glossy gold on the rim, matte gold on the rope pattern. To create this subtle difference in luster, the underlying glaze, too, is applied with a brush, one piece at a time.
Expression that onlyhuman hands can achieve,passed from hand to hand. From one person’s expressionto vessels that stay close to daily life for yearsand are handed down in use into the future. That isAtelier Line.
This activity is operated by ARTBIRTH Co., Ltd. Vessels by Hijiri Tougane and vessels from “Atelier Line” are presented and sold at exhibitions held in Japan and abroad, and through the official ART BIRTH CERAMICS website.
We are looking for people to carry on the Atelier Line Recruitment(in Japanese)
One-of-a-kind vessel works made by Hijiri Tougane’s own hands. The number made each year is limited, and every piece is created as an original. Each is inscribed with the year and her signature, and stands as a record of its technique and its time.
See vessels made by Hijiri Tougane herself