KANA KOBAYASHI 小林加奈
Her works are divided into two series: the Little Flower Series and the Kin-Sai Series.
Little Flower Series
In this series, the artist excels at incorporating floral elements into everyday ceramics. Colorful flowers are rendered in a three-dimensional manner on white ceramic bases, creating pieces that are both visually and tactilely lively. The designs remain uncluttered while exuding a subtle air of elegance and tenderness.
Gilding Series
Kana Kobayashi, who once studied painting in Kyoto and now paints on ceramics in Sapporo, Hokkaido, employs a unique glazing technique in this series. She works under a transparent glaze, using a blue pigment called Gusu—a jewel-like, Japanese-style pigment typically used for dyeing and commonly found in Kutani, Arita, and Hasami ware. In addition, her works feature sparkling golden lines. After outlining the design, she applies pigments in layers and paints over them. Once fired in the kiln, each piece emerges in a completely unique form, evoking an enduring emotional impact that remains unfaded over the years.
Her goal is to create classic ceramics that not only delight with their wit and humor but also captivate with their delicate intricacy. In the world depicted by Kana Kobayashi, one can discover a wide array of pleasures. From the moment each work leaves the kiln, it embarks on its own journey—integrating into everyday life and becoming something truly special. With this philosophy in mind, Kana Kobayashi crafts each piece with heartfelt care, making every work a testament to ingenious artistry.
