Nerikomi is a Japanese ceramic technique in which colored clays are layered, patterned, and formed allowing the design to run through the clay body, rather than designs being painted on the surface.

The patterns appear naturally in the finished piece when the clay is cut, stretched, or shaped.

The technique became widely practiced in Japan during the 20th century and was refined by artists such as Katsuyo Aoki and especially Makoto Yabe and Toshio Matsui.

While similar patterned clay methods existed earlier in Asia and Europe, Japanese ceramists developed a distinct approach emphasizing clean geometric designs and subtle color harmony.

My ambition is to develop an original style of British ceramics inspired by Japanese artists.

Crispin 2026