Utsuwa: Japanese Objects for Everyday Use

A piece must be practical enough to be used every day. It must be crafted at its place of origin, using traditional techniques and materials. And it must be handmade.

Japanese craft has long been revered for its quality and beauty, and skilled craftwork remains an important part of Japanese life. 'Utsuwa', meaning 'for everyday use', embodies the ethos of handmaking in Japan, where handcrafted wares must be as practical as they are beautiful.This book takes us behind the scenes into the private studios of some of Japan's most exciting artisans to reveal stories of material, method, place and culture. It guides us through quiet galleries and colourful marketplaces, where the provenance of a piece is central to its story.

Utsuwa is a love letter to the makers and sellers, and to all those who share the Japanese reverence for tradition and beauty.

Kylie Johnson is a Brisbane-based ceramic artist, gallery owner and writer. Her ceramic studio and gallery, paper boat press, produces signature quote tags, Christmas ornaments and poetry vessels. Over the past six years, she has curated more than fifteen exhibitions of both Australian and Japanese artists in her gallery. She is the author of two books of poetry, and a collection of quotes from her ceramic work was published in 2014. Tiffany Johnson has spent her professional life in book production. She established the Australia/New Zealand office for 1010 Printing ten years ago. In 2017, the Johnson sisters started Kyoto C reative Tours to take small groups on bespoke tours of the makers, markets and galleries of Kyoto.