Tanaka Featuring
Eiichi Shibuya
Bringing Hagi Ware to the World
Interview
Japanese Ceramist Distributor – Japan & The Netherlands
Eiichi Shibuya, presented by Tanaka, bridges Japanese tradition and European contemporary design in his teaware. His ceramics embody refinement and precision, yet always carry warmth—a reflection of his belief that vessels are meant to be lived with, not only admired. Drawing from chanoyu and Japanese aesthetics, Shibuya crafts pieces that honour centuries of tea practice while speaking to modern sensibilities. His bowls, cups, and teapots reveal a balance of restraint and expression, inviting tea drinkers to slow down and appreciate form, function, and the subtle presence of the handmade.
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1
Could you tell us how your passion for Japanese pottery began and what led you to bring Hagi ware to the Netherlands?
15 years ago, it was triggered by an encounter with Potter Deishi Shibuya who has already passed away. I was fascinated by his personality and the beauty of the pottery made from his hands. I wanted people from all over the world to be exposed to this wonderful hagi ware, so I decided to send it to Europe based in the Netherlands.
2
What are your thoughts on the relationship between tea and artistic ceramics? How do you see Hagi ware enriching the way people experience tea?
In Japan, Hagi ware is closely associated with the tea ceremony, but I believe it should not be reserved only for formal occasions. Hagi vessels bring warmth and subtlety to tea, and I hope people everywhere will enjoy them in their daily lives as well as in special moments.
3
For "The Art of Tea" exhibition in Brussels, you chose to present the work of Eiichi Shibuya. What drew you to his work, and why do you feel it represents Hagi ware today?
Eiichi Shibuya is one of the Hagi potters I deeply respect. He is also the grandson of Deishi Shibuya, who first introduced me to the world of Hagi ware. His passion for ceramics is remarkable: he preserves tradition while exploring new approaches to glaze and design. And beyond his artistry, he is a wonderful person. I believe that works created by such a sincere and inspiring individual naturally carry a beautiful spirit within them.
4
Hagi ware has a history of over 400 years. How do you balance preserving tradition while introducing it to new audiences in Europe?
It would be impossible to speak fully about 400 years of history, but what I can do is convey its essence with honesty. My role is to share accurate information and authentic stories about Hagi ware, so that people can feel its depth and spirit even if they are discovering it for the first time.
5
Looking ahead, what future projects or dreams do you have for Tanaka in sharing Japanese crafts and ceramics with the world?
Japan is home to many pottery traditions and diverse crafts beyond Hagi ware. At present, I focus mainly on Hagi, but my dream is to introduce a wider range of Japanese craftsmanship to the world. By doing so, I hope to create more opportunities for people to connect with the richness and variety of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Discover more about Eiichi Shibuya