Susumu Notomi
Based in Yamaguchi Prefecture where Hagi-yaki originates, Susumu Notomi has been making pottery since 1975. Through numerous experiments of combining the local clay and his glazes fired in a high-temperature kiln, he has invented ao-hagi (blue hagi-yaki) which brings out a dramatically wide range of blue, from deep indigo to light ice blue. His works do not only capture the natural beauty of blue, but also transcend the traditional boundaries of this ancient pottery style.
Notomi Susumu
1951 Born in Hagi, Yamaguchi prefecture
1973 Graduated from Kanto Gakuin University, Faculty of Engineering
1975 Studied pottery under his father Chyoun Notomi (4th Generation)
1985 Created his own artist’s signature seal
1988 Selected for Yamaguchi Prefecture Museum competition
1989 Selected for Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition
1990 Received Japan Traditional Craft Encouragement Award
1995 Accepted as a member of Japan Craft Association
1999 Received Western Japan Ceramic Competition Encouragement Award,
Yamaguchi prefecture governor award
2012 Received Yamaguchi Prefecture Educational Achievement Award
2013 Received award of excellence by Hagi Ceramic Exhibition
Yamaguchi Prefecture Craft Association ‘Asahi Newspaper Award’
2017 Solo exhibition at Japan Club in New York
2018 Solo exhibition at Onishi Gallery in New York
2019 Received Art & Culture Arrangement Award in Yamaguchi Prefecture
Member of Japan Craft Association
Supervisor of Craft Association Yamaguchi Branch
Director of Hagi Pottery Association
Naoko Notomi
1979 Born in Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture
2001 Drop out from Kanagawa University and studied abroad. London and Canada
2002 Studied ceramics under her father, Susumu Notomi (5th Generation)
2010 Group exhibition at Mori Building
2014 Hagi group exhibition at Chinzan in Tokyo
2017 Entered Yamaguchi Hagi Museum Exhibition
Aiming to create her own character using traditional Hagi pottery methods. Her works create a harmony with western food, silver-ware and glass ware.
