Yu Sugimoto is a Japanese pottery artist rooted in the traditions of Shigaraki-ware. Sugimoto’s pieces make full use of the natural character of Shigaraki clay. He plays with geometric shapes and unique glazes like Kohiki and Kakewake. His work highlights the rough, natural feel of the clay to create interesting, modern designs.

1979
Born in Aichi Prefecture

1995–2005
Studied pottery under Nobuo Furutani at Furutani Pottery

2005–2006
Traveled to Papua New Guinea to explore more about pottery, then stayed in Canada on a working holiday

From 2007
Returned to Japan and continued his pottery practice