Ornate Porcelain Skulls by Katsuyo Aoki, The Predictive Dream Series.

Japanese artist Katsuyo Aoki has been working in ceramic for several years. Her Predictive Dream Series was brought to my attention by the fabulous Gblog. The series consists sculptural skulls rendered as intricately worked porcelain pieces that are simultaneously demonic and delicate.







































Artist Statement:

Currently, I use ceramics as my material in my method of expression, incorporating various decorative styles, patterns, and symbolic forms as my principal axis in creating my works.



The decorative styles and forms I allude to and incorporate in my works each contain a story based on historical backgrounds and ideas, myths, and allegories.Their existence in the present age makes us feel many things,; adoration, some sort of romantic emotions, a sense of unfruitfulness and languor from their excessiveness and vulgarity.







And on the other hand, they make us feel tranquility and awe that can almost be described as religious, as well as an image as an object of worship. By citing such images, I feel I am able to express an - atmosphere- that is a part of the complex world in this age.



In fact, the several decorative styles and forms I cite simultaneously hold divine and vulgar meaning in the present age, having an irrational quality that contradict each other, which I feel express an important aspect in the contemporary age in which we live.



Also, the technique of ceramics has a tradition that has been a part of the history of decoration over a long time, and I feel the delicateness and fragile tension of the substantial material well express my concept.







Katsuyo Aoki is represented by Roentgenwerke Gallery

Lladro Atelier's Newest Decorative Porcelain Collection by Jaime Hayon: Metropolis.

Lladro Atelier unveiled their latest collection of decorative porcelain at the 2011 maison et objet show. The architecturally inspired pieces, created under the guidance of designer Jaime Hayon, include vases, lamps, planters, mirrors and boxes that together form a city.




The modern and futuristic pieces are rendered in matte porcelain and modern colors (light and dark yellow, light and dark green, light and dark grey, anthracite and white) whose detailed textures are reminiscent of embroidery. Although the exteriors are bisque, the interiors are glazed so that they are watertight.






images courtesy of Lladro Atelier
The individual pieces range from $215 to $600 and can be purchased here

The following images from Maison et Objet are courtesy of Designboom:




Lladro Atelier

New Candid Canisters By Jonathan Adler.

Jonathan Adler has just added a slew of new high-fired porcelain stoneware containers to his collection of "Candid Canisters." From Peyote to Peroxide, the eight new storage boxes are glazed in high gloss black and white stripes. Eyelashes, Caffeine, Dope, Ganja, Shrooms, Peyote, Pep Pills and Peroxide vary slightly in size, but each comes with a matching lid and makes it chic to hide your stash or vice.






There's even one for your dog:

Buy them here.

Previous Candid Canisters in the collection:

Please note that all shown canisters vary in size. For prices, measurements and to purchase, go to Jonathan Adler.

Denmark's Anne Black Launches Her Ceramics & Jewelry In The U.S.

Copenhagen-based ceramist Anne Black graduated from Kolding School of Design in 1996 and was told to "go find a real job." Fifteen years later, she and her husband Jesper heads up a multi-million kroner enterprise with production facilities in Vietnam and a porcelain brand that's second only to Royal Copenhagen. Except Anne Black's contemporary and playful designs are entirely crafted by hand, using natural materials, and the company's approach is decidedly personal, fair trade and earth-friendly.



Now Denmark's top independent ceramic artist and designer, Anne Black has become a household brand name in Scandinavia and renowned across Europe. And so she is ready to take on the U.S.A.




With simple forms and delicate, understated graphical decorations, Anne Black creates unique and personal collections that are contemporary, yet classic, clean and distinctive. A product of the minimalist Scandinavian design tradition, the Anne Black collection includes jewelry, vases, cups, bowls, trays, knobs, and other home decor. Entirely manufactured by hand, using natural materials, each product reflects the designer’s respect for a classical material, porcelain, as well as an earth-friendly approach to production.

A few of her tabletop pieces from her varied collections:










And a glimpse at some of her jewelry which includes finger rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets:





All design and concept development takes place in Copenhagen, where Anne Black is based. Today, products are manufactured by hand in Hanoi, Vietnam in a workshop developed in partnership with DANIDA, the Danish International Development Agency, and in accordance with fair trade agreements.

Shop Anne Black

For U.S. Sales and Marketing Contact: Tina Vennegaard, Terra Firma/Los Angeles at 310-745-1040 or by email at tina@terrafirmaagency.com.