TANAKA Keiji is a Japanese pottery artist dedicated to the rugged beauty of Nanban Yakishime. He commits to traditional, physically-demanding methods, from digging clay from local sites, to using a kick wheel (kero-kuro) and firing exclusively in a wood-burning kiln. He embraces the raw characteristics of the earth, and the unpredictable interaction between material and flame. Drawing inspiration from ancient Asian antiques and modern sculpture, Tanaka creates functional pieces that highlight a tactile, earthenware-like aesthetic.

• 1978
  Born in Kyoto Prefecture
• 2000
  First experience on ceramics during university
• 2001
  Started working in a ceramic company in Shigaraki
• 2007
  Started learning ceramics under the instruction of MORIOKA Shigeyoshi  
• 2011
  Moved to Hino, Shiga Prefecture
• 2014
  Constructed his personal kiln in the same town