Yumiko Shimoya

Yumiko Shimoya, born in the city of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, is a Japanese ceramicist. Yumiko worked in the publishing industry as a graphic designer before devoting herself seriously to ceramic art in 2008.
dedicated herself to ceramic art. After graduating from the Ceramics Guidance Center in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, she studied under Mr. Akio Nukaga. In 2012, she started her own business in Kasama and moved to Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2016. Yumiko's ceramics 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 produces beautiful vases and vessels using the Shinogi technique. Shinogi is a carving technique in which a pattern is carefully carved into the surface of the pottery using suitable tools. This technique has been used since ancient times and, despite its precision, is subject to subtle variations that are unique to the craft.