< uturano > Collection 2025
Product Specifications
[Bowls and Plates]
Material: Mino ware (dishwasher and microwave safe)
Size:
Donburi (rice bowls): φ186mm × H102mm (3 designs)
Small plates: φ106mm × H15mm (3 designs)
Large plate: φ236mm × H25mm (1 design)
Deep bowl: φ140mm × H83mm (1 design)
Shallow bowl: φ161mm × H67mm (1 design)
Designs by: Nishiyama Ryo / Hiramura Daiki / Okamoto Tomoya
(Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association)
We are pleased to present the second edition of the “uturano” collection by three young craft artists, following last year’s launch. This time, the lineup includes items in different sizes and designs, with a special focus on deep vessels such as donburi bowls—an entirely new development in the Nibutani Ainu Craft project.
“Uturano” means “together” in the Ainu language. We hope these patterned vessels will be enjoyed not only for everyday use at home, but also by restaurants.
For more details about each piece designed by the three artists, please visit this information page.
For comments on the design concept of this series, please see this page from last year.
Profile
Nishiyama Ryo
Ainu Craft Artist / Born in 1996 in Furenai, Biratori TownUntil the age of 22, he worked in fields unrelated to Ainu crafts. Encouraged by several seniors, including members of the Biratori Town Ainu Association Youth Division, he joined the newly established Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Corporation in April 2020. Since 2021, he has been engaged in activities to preserve Ainu culture as a staff member of the Ior Revitalization Project in the Biratori area. Having always loved making things, this experience inspired him to begin creating woodcarvings. While referencing traditional patterns depicted in the works of previous generations in Nibutani, he strives to produce works that express his own individuality. Member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative.
Hiramura Daiki
Ainu Craft Artist / Born in 1997 in Honcho, Biratori TownHe spent his childhood familiarizing himself with craftsmanship while helping his father with carpentry work. In 2020, he joined the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Promotion Public Corporation, engaging in activities to preserve Ainu culture, while also enjoying woodcarving in a workshop built by his father. When creating ita (flat carved wooden platters), he strives for designs that respect traditional patterns without leaning too much toward originality. His future goal is to become an independent woodcarving artist. He aims to create works that spark interest in Ainu culture for people encountering it for the first time. Member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association.
Okamoto Tomoya
Ainu Craft Artist / Born in 1997 in Urakawa, HokkaidoHis paternal family has Ainu roots in Samani Town. From a young age, he enjoyed creating things and studied the Ainu language and dance. For three years starting in 2020, he was part of the 5th class of the “Successor Training Program” at Biratori Ainu Crafts and Heritage Center Urespa, where he learned the basics of Ainu patterns and woodcarving alongside textiles. Since April 2023, he has been fully devoted to woodcarving, aiming to become an independent artist. He focuses on the precision of ramram-noka (scale carving) and carefully considers uncarved spaces in his work. Member of the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association.