On a cold day when even teachers were out and about, I visited Shouko Koike 's home and workshop.

The elegant and beautiful white-walled building was apparently built by her and her husband, ceramic artist Tsuyoshi Kawasaki , while she was a student at Tokyo University of the Arts.

The garden was lush with beautiful flowers and trees, and I was truly impressed by the tasteful items hanging on the walls.

Now, for this exhibition, my first solo exhibition at our gallery, I will be presenting 50 works, including my latest pieces.

She was captivated by Vermeer's "Girl with a Blue Turban" and the blue of Iranian mosques, and has since created works using the color blue.

His motifs include shells and flowers, and his works, ranging from large-scale pieces to everyday vessels (and sometimes even tea ceremony ware), possess a presence that makes them instantly recognizable as Koike's work. He has diligently created pieces that resonate with the hearts of pottery lovers.

I also cherish and use Koike tea bowls and water containers, so this exhibition is a long-awaited event for our gallery.

While enjoying Mr. Kawasaki's fragrant coffee, Ms. Koike smiled and brought over some photos and a diary from when they built their house, saying, "Look at this!"

I was amazed by the detailed diary entries, and I could clearly see the wonderful history of the Koike family, which has been nurtured alongside this house.

They are a kind and wonderful couple whom I admire.

It's still a little early for the magnificent magnolia tree in the Koike family's garden to bloom, as it's the coldest time of year, but I would be delighted if you could enjoy viewing it.

Shop owner Takashi Yasuda