Shumpei Yamaki (b. 1977, Japan) is a ceramic artist known for blending traditional Japanese pottery techniques with contemporary sensibilities. His work, which includes functional pieces like bowls, vases, and teapots, reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and a meditative creativity inspired by movement and local resources.
In 1999, Yamaki was injured in a car accident and enrolled in a ceramics class as physical therapy, and in 2001 he apprenticed under Richard Bresnahan. Since then, he has continued his practice at University of Iowa, in Brooklyn working with Tim Rowan and Roger Bauman, and at Scattergood Friends School. Much of his work has focused on experimenting with local clay and wood-firing techniques relying on local resources and conservation.
His ceramics are celebrated for their elegance, organic surfaces, and subtle interactions between nature and human creation. Inspired by dance, specifically Hip-Hop and Capoeira, Yamaki uses pottery to strip meaning down to pure feeling and imagination as he mediates through movement. By combining traditional methods with modern interpretation, Yamaki’s work resonates with both collectors and critics worldwide.