Yumiko Shimoya

Yumiko Shimoya, born in the city of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, is a Japanese ceramicist. Before devoting herself seriously to ceramic art in 2008, she worked in the publishing industry as a graphic designer. After graduating from the Ceramics Guidance Center in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, she studied under Akio Nukaga. She set up her own business in Kasama in 2012 and moved to Fujisawa in Kanagawa Prefecture in 2016. Yumiko's workshop is located on the railroad line of the historic Enoden train, which connects Fujisawa with Kamakura.

Yumiko Shimoya follows the concept of "Utsuwa" (ceramics that gently blend into everyday life) and creates beautiful vases and vessels using the Shinogi and the Mentori technique. These are carving techniques where a pattern is carefully carved into the surface of the pottery using suitable tools. These techniques have been used since ancient times and, despite their precision, are subject to subtle variations that are unique to the craft.