On a chilly afternoon in January, with the New Year's festivities still lingering, I turned up the collar of my coat and boarded a limited express train on the Joban Line for the first time in a while.

In the warm, air-conditioned train car, I dozed off to the sound of the rail joints, and when I left the train car, still feeling languid, and got off at Ishioka Station, Yoko Tanaka was there to greet me at the ticket gate with a big smile on her face.

To celebrate our reunion, we spent a delightful afternoon at his stylish workshop and home, admiring his new works and discussing the exhibition.

Ms. Tanaka is a young ceramic artist who is diligently pursuing her craft in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Her works, all featuring flowers as a motif, range from large-scale sculptures to delicate, functional vessels.

I first met her at the "Kasama Ceramic Art Grand Prize Exhibition 2021" (Ibaraki Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum), where she won the grand prize.

Many pottery enthusiasts probably remember that grand prize-winning piece featuring a large, black flower.

I feel a connection with Ms. Tanaka's ethereal aura, which she says she has enjoyed through ballet, and with the meticulousness of her works, which are created with a firm philosophy.

Now, in this season of full-blown spring, our gallery will be hosting its first-ever exhibition of works by Yoko Tanaka.

Titled "Flowers Dancing," the exhibition will feature over 80 pieces in total, including tea bowls and vessels inspired by flowers, as well as works based on Japanese confectionery molds (she is actually a collector of Japanese confectionery molds!).

We would be delighted if you would take a look at the latest works by this promising young female ceramic artist and offer your guidance.

Shop owner Takashi Yasuda