A Gentle Magic That Softens Everyday Life — The “Comforting Forms” of SUEHARU-GAMA, Created with the Supple Sensibility of Haruna Nishihata

Imagining joyful tablescapes — breathing life into lively creatures

Peering through the open windows of the gallery, one can glimpse a woman quietly carving illustrated forms. It is Haruna Nishihata of SUEHARU-GAMA (hereafter, Haruna). She is in the midst of creating a plate adorned with goldfish. Though still unfired, the charming fish already appear to glide gracefully across the surface of the form. Carefully carved, each line breathes life into the form.

Other works feature cats and zodiac animals, birds such as swallows, and plants like mimosa and camellia—vividly illustrated pieces inspired by familiar nature. These brightly decorated forms are instantly recognizable as Haruna’s creations.

On white or softly glazed surfaces, gentle lines carved using the kugibori technique create subtle textures. The overall presence blends the rustic character of Tamba clay with the warmth of handcraft, quietly softening the viewer’s heart.

“I imagine scenes in my head—like a woman living alone having breakfast, or the gentle sunlight of spring. I picture my forms existing within those imagined moments,” she says.

The angle of light, conversations around the table, the atmosphere that fills the space—she moves her brush while envisioning these specific situations.

“I want people to feel a sense of ease when they hold them, not just functionality. Something soft and comforting… maybe similar to that ‘heart fluttering’ feeling when you see something cute.”

She hopes her forms will become small moments of pause within busy daily lives. That quiet wish is woven into their gentle, humorous expressions.

Where play and work meet — realizing “everything can be done at home”

Haruna was born the second daughter of a potter family that has continued since her grandfather’s generation. Pottery was always close at hand, and the workshop served as her childhood playground.

“I touched clay the same way I doodled on the back of flyers or folded origami,” she recalls.

Her father, Tadashi, worked at the wheel beside her as she played. For Haruna, this was simply part of everyday life; she never particularly thought of it as something “cool” to admire.

However, while studying design at an art university in Kyoto and facing job hunting, she began searching for a profession that would allow her both to draw and to create objects. Looking back at her own roots, she rediscovered the pottery that had always been near.

“With ceramics, I could draw and make things. I realized I could do everything through my family’s work!” she laughs.

After graduating, she joined the family business and studied under her father. Learning the basic processes from him, she developed her own style using techniques such as kugibori carving and tatara slab building.

Father and daughter — connected at the roots by a shared view of nature

Her father pursues dynamic forms and glazes, while Haruna gently stylizes nature into charming motifs. At first glance they seem contrasting, yet Haruna feels they share the same roots.

“Rocks, plants, animals… I think our sensibilities overlap in how we respond to things found in nature.”

Her creative sensitivity is nurtured in the quiet hours after work—reading books of all kinds, watching films and manga.

“From historical novels set in the Edo period to horror and comics—I like immersing myself in whatever story matches my mood.”

This openness to diverse narratives may be what lends her forms their relaxed and generous spirit.

Haruna’s gentle, unforced way of life naturally flows into her work, quietly reaching those who use her forms.

Forms that gently accompany tired hearts

Rather than feeling weighed down by the 850 year history of Tamba ware, Haruna embraces it lightly and freely. That is her style.

“Life doesn’t always go smoothly. If my forms can become a small switch that helps someone feel a little more positive, that would make me happy.”

Some visitors describe Tachikui as feeling like “a grandmother’s home—nostalgic and comforting.” Haruna’s works, with their warmth and gentle presence, blend naturally into that atmosphere.

Today as always, she finds inspiration in nature and transforms it into forms, hoping to deliver small moments of happiness to someone’s table she has yet to meet.