Senko
Souhougama (Shiga Prefecture)
A shining pendant light pottery piece newly created in Shigaraki
Shigaraki is the number one pottery producer in Japan, making huge items out of ceramics. Presently the region makes everything from plant pots to umbrella stands. It was around 2008 that “Transparent Shigaraki Pottery” was developed at the Industrial Research Center of Shiga Prefecture in Shigaraki. Yoshihisa Okuda of Souhougama saw the news at the time and couldn’t believe his eyes. “There’s no way to make pottery transparent. But if true it would be beyond incredible,” he recalls. Okuda walked to the center. Fascinated by the appeal of the technology, he decided he would try commercializing it.
“At the time, I was interested in economic and low energy lighting. It was right around the time when LEDs grew popular. I thought it would be interesting to combine the transparent Shigaraki pottery with LEDs.” Okuda had created sanitary ware in the past, and this time he was inspired to make an illuminated basin. Up until then, the washbasin was seen as playing a supporting role in interior design. So the simple change of this image was a revolutionary thing. The idea was not only popular domestically, but was a hit abroad as well. “It was well-received by many people at the expo in France. “There are lots of dark bathrooms in Europe, and people are scared of ghosts overseas too,” says Okuda, who decided to take advantage of the potential.
Made from transparent Shigaraki ceramic, the two-way pendent light, titled “Senko,” can be used as is or with a stand. The light is optimal for interior design, with a woven geometric pattern and a smooth white surface unique to pottery. The light also creates various shadows when turned on, making for enjoyable, rich expressions.
“Moving forward I want to create new items using more ceramics. Making things that no one was made or seen before is the funnest part of it all,” says the adventurous Okuda, continuing to challenge himself.
Souhougama
925 Nagano, Shigarakicho, Koga-shi, Shiga
529-1851
Tel.0748-82-1619
http://souhougama.com/?lang=en