Akiko Hirai
Akiko's work is a fusion of Japanese and British ceramic traditions, she draws upon traditional Japanese methods when making her ceramics. Her pieces are deeply textured yet utilitarian in form, using rough dark clay to create a veil between the rough layers underneath and the smoothness of the glazed exterior. Glazed in soft whites, greys, greens and natural colours, her forms showcase the thick volcanic glazes that run down the sides or pool on the surface.
Akiko Hirai was born in Japan in March 1970. She initially studied cognitive psychology in Japan and obtained her degree before coming to England. She took a degree course in ceramics at the University of Westmin- ster, then went on to graduate from Central St. Martins, she currently works as Head of Ceramics in Kensington and Chelsea College and works from her studio in Stoke Newington, London.
Sake Bottle with highly textured surface finish, also works well as a vase.
Akiko's Sake Bottle has many layers of coloured slip, glazes and oxides on the exterior creating a highly textured decorative surface.
Dimensions: 140-160(h) x 90(w)mm approx at widest point
Material: Layered porcelain & slip with oxides and glazes.
Care: Hand wash only. Not dishwasher safe.
Please note all measurements are approximates, sizes will vary as all items are handmade, colouration & texture varies from item to item.
'Dry Kohiki Yunomi’ Flower Petal stoneware Bowl in grey with high internal transparent glaze.
Akiko's bowls are made from coarse stoneware built up in multiple layers with a flower petal decorative finish. They have a coloured slip on the exterior and a highly textured and stained surface.
Dimensions: 75(h) x 120(d)mm approx
Material: Layered stoneware & slip with oxides, glazes and transparent glaze.
Care: Hand wash only. Not dishwasher or microwave safe.
Please note all measurements are approximates, sizes will vary as all items are handmade.
Cube Vase Large with highly textured surface finish.
Akiko's vases have a small 'single stem' opening and layers of coloured slip and oxides on the exterior creating a highly textured decorative surface.
Dimensions: 80(w) x 80(h) x 80(d)mm
Material: Layered porcelain & slip with oxides and glazes.
Care: Hand wash only. Not dishwasher safe.
Please note all measurements are approximates, sizes will vary as all items are handmade, colouration & texture varies from item to item.
Cube Vase Small with highly textured surface finish.
Akiko's vases have a small 'single stem' opening and layers of coloured slip and oxides on the exterior creating a highly textured decorative surface.
Dimensions: 60(w) x 60(h) x 60(d)mm
Material: Layered porcelain & slip with oxides and glazes.
Care: Hand wash only. Not dishwasher safe.
Please note all measurements are approximates, sizes will vary as all items are handmade, colouration & texture varies from item to item.
‘Dry Kohiki Facet Mug’ in Grey with internal transparent glaze.
Akiko's mugs and cups are made from coarse stoneware built up in multiple layers. They have a coloured slip on the exterior and a highly textured and stained surface.
Dimensions: 90(h) approx x 95(dia)mm approx
Material: Layered stoneware & slip with oxides, glazes and transparent glaze.
Care: Hand wash only. Not dishwasher or microwave safe.
Please note all measurements are approximates, sizes & colours will vary slightly as all items are handmade.