a photo collection of work by Yoshitaka Hasu, box maker.

Yoshitaka Hasu (b. 1949) was educated as an engineer before taking up an apprenticeship with renowned potter Shiro Banura, where he learned discipline and developed artistic freedom to create his unique personal style.((During his career, Hasu has produced some of the most exciting original work built upon the Iga tradition. He works like a sculptor. Using a technique called kurinuki, he carves out exterior forms and scoops out the interiors, paring away anything superfluous to distill out the strongest lines unique for each piece. His works are powerful, direct and dynamic. Another hallmark of Hasus work is the dramatic decorations created by combining beautiful natural ash glaze with black iron glaze, a process that requires sequential firing and intimate knowledge of the materials. ((Despite the stylistic difference, Hasus work is true to his mentors vision. One of Hasu's favorite forms - the toubako (ceramic box) - embodies the idea of living with art. Hasu has elevated the toubako form to unique works of art that serve a dual function as serving containers. Imagine the drama of serving fine food in such a work of art, and the joy of opening the container to find unexpected beauty within! Perhaps more than any other ceramic form, Hasus toubako captures his mentor Banuras vision and spirit.