Within the pottery tradition of Karatsu there is a style called whale skin, in which iron is painted onto the rim of a cup or dish. The name goes back to when Karatsu was an active whaling port - the dark rim against a white vessel was said to resemble a a slice of fatty whale skin. Whaling has ceased but the name remains in the word of pottery. I use cobalt instead of iron, which creates a nuance that reminds me of enamelware. At times the cobalt bleeds creating a unique edge.
Hanako makes each piece by hand, one by one. Slight variations in size, shape, color, and surface are inherent to the process. We hope you will embrace these small differences as characteristics that give each piece individuality and character, making them all the more lovable.
