Kei Condo "Flower Vase"

"Man"

His father, who had discovered an interest in pottery, emigrated from Ethiopia to Japan and began living in Kasama City. Keicondo was familiar with the ceramics industry from an early age, but at the time he didn't want to become a potter. "I was born in a region that has long been involved in pottery, and growing up as the son of a potter, there were good aspects to it, but I also wanted to live a life away from pottery. The more I learned about reality, the more I couldn't imagine myself becoming a potter. But when it came time to go to college, I entered Kasama Ceramic College with the feeling that I would give it a try. The yellow that has now become my identity is a color I've loved since childhood, and I created it into my pottery through trial and error. I don't mind having CalorieMate bars all over my room because I love yellow (laughs)."

"place"

Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Kasama City, where Keicondo's studio is located, is surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges of the Yamizo mountain range in the northwest. It also flourished as a castle town of "Kasama Castle", which was built in the Kamakura period, and is a place blessed with resources such as stone materials such as granite and natural water. It is known as the birthplace of "Kasama ware", the oldest pottery in the Kanto region, and like neighboring Mashiko ware, it has been loved as a familiar pottery in daily life. In 1950, the "Ibaraki Prefecture Ceramic Industry Training Center" was established, and now it is the "Kasama Ceramic College" that has produced many potters. Another root of Keicondo is Ethiopia, where his father was born. When he was assigned to Bolivia as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, he came into contact with the Inca civilization and was able to feel his identity in his unique style of vivid colors reminiscent of the sun.

Skills

Tableware loved by chefs

KEICONDO's tableware has been featured at the pop-up restaurant "Noma Kyoto" held at the Ace Hotel Kyoto in March 2023, and is ordered by top chefs and restaurants around the world. "I believe that good tableware is one that brings out the best in the ingredients and food. On the table, the food is always the main focus. I pursue warm colors and shapes that add color. Whether it's artistic cuisine or leftover pizza from a party the night before, the tableware should make the food look delicious when placed on it. That's my ideal. That's why I often solidify my image through conversations with chefs, and I incorporate the insights I gain from this into my work, which may be why chefs like it."

A word from the artist

When I brought my yellow tableware to a gallery a long time ago, I was scolded and told that "yellow tableware is difficult." Still, I searched for a color that I felt was pleasing, and experimented with various clays, glazes, firing temperatures and times, and that's how I got the color I have now. And because of culinary trends, I have more opportunities to have many chefs use my tableware. I think that colored tableware has now become quite accepted. I believe that my tableware, whether it's a plate or a flower vase, is for the person who uses it. So, rather than continuing to think in silence alone, my creations are often created through communication and exploration. I'm currently planning a lodging facility with a kitchen, so I think I'll be able to create more experimental and powerful works in the future. Please look forward to it!

《SIZE》

Φ9cm×H14cm Box size: W14cm×D19cm×H14cm

《WEIGHT》

293g (647g with box)

《MATERIAL》

Pottery/Clay Box/Paulownia

*Depending on the product, there may be slight individual differences in color, shape, etc.