If you love Mashiko pottery or Japanese craftsmanship, why not visit a special gallery in Tokyo? Gallery St. Ives in Setagaya offers a chance to experience both Japanese and British cultures through carefully chosen ceramics. Whether you’re a pottery enthusiast or just curious, this gallery is a great place to explore beautiful works that connect two rich traditions.
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Crossing Borders with Mashiko Pottery
Gallery St. Ives is the only place in Japan that showcases both British and Japanese pottery artists. If you’re into ceramics, the name might ring a bell—St. Ives is a seaside town in the UK, home to the studio of Bernard Leach, a potter who played a big role in Japan’s Mingei folk craft movement. The gallery’s name reflects the owner’s wish to build a bridge between Japan and the UK through pottery, just like Leach did.
Mr. Isaka, the owner, used to work in finance in the UK. During that time, he enjoyed collecting pottery as a hobby and surrounded himself with pieces he loved. Wanting to share that passion in Japan, he decided to open the gallery.
A Harmonious Space for Ceramic Art
The gallery has both a permanent section and a special exhibition area.
Every piece in the shop is carefully selected by Mr. Isaka, who travels to meet the artists and sees the works in person. The collection includes a wide range—from well-known potters to up-and-coming artists. Many of the pieces use a method called “slipware,”* and the whole space has a Mingei (folk craft) feel. Even though the works come from different countries, they all blend together in harmony.
In April, the gallery held a special exhibition called The Great Leach Exhibition. It featured Bernard Leach’s iconic works along with pieces by artists who follow in his footsteps. As a painter as well, Leach often added bold designs to his simply shaped pottery.
I usually don’t pay much attention to painted ceramics, but one piece with a single design in similar colors really stood out to me.
*A type of pottery made by shaping red clay, drawing patterns with slip (a liquid clay mixture), then applying a clear or semi-transparent glaze before firing.
Mashiko and St. Ives: A Deep Bond Through Pottery
You can’t talk about Bernard Leach without mentioning the potter Shoji Hamada. He devoted himself to pottery in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, and played a key role in the Mingei movement alongside Leach. Their friendship led to a sister-city relationship between Mashiko and St. Ives.
Before the pandemic, middle school students from both towns took part in exchange programs. Mr. Isaka helped plan and guide the entire experience. At the gallery, you can also find works by Tomoo Hamada, Shoji’s grandson, who carries on the family kiln in Mashiko. Few places carry his pieces regularly, so it’s a rare chance to see them.
Tomoo and Mr. Isaka also helped restore the Leach Pottery in St. Ives. Thanks to efforts like these, the connection between Japan and the UK through Mashiko ware continues to grow.
After the Interview
Mr. Isaka communicates openly with everyone who visits, and his personality and trustworthiness have helped the gallery remain loved by many for 25 years. A special exhibition will be held to celebrate the 25th anniversary, so be sure to check their website and Instagram! After this interview, I’ve definitely decided to visit St. Ives in the UK.
Details:
Official Site: View Website
- Address: 3-5-13 Fukasawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0081
