I started practicing the Japanese hand-carving technique, Kurinuki, in 2021. While I don’t claim to be a master, it has changed how I see ceramics – and life itself. I try to translate that perspective through my work so that when you take one of my pieces home, you’re not just getting an object – you experience a philosophy. Because everything about it, from its creation to its use, is about slowing down and shifting perception.

Most pottery techniques focus on building something from nothing. Kurinuki, however, is about removing something from everything. It’s a slow, intentional process of carving away excess until only the essence remains. This process beautifully mirrors life itself: imagining the shape that should remain, slowly carving away what is unnecessary, and recognizing that negative space is just as important as the solid form.

The process begins with a solid block of clay, and through careful carving, I slowly reveal the form that I imagined – or that the material directed me toward. Though not the quickest method, this is the way I want to create. The sculptural forms that emerge hold more than just shape – they carry the time, patience, and intention that went into making them, and that’s what makes kurinuki so special.

While kurinuki isn’t efficient for mass production, that’s exactly why it’s at the heart of Ondou. It’s about more than creating something functional – it’s like a small sculpture with a functional hole in it. Each piece is unique, shaped by a slow, thoughtful process. Some might question why something so sculptural should be practical, but the beauty of kurinuki lies in the balance between form and function. A kurinuki cup isn’t just something to admire from afar – it’s meant to be held, used and appreciated. And yet, its sculptural beauty stands just as strong when displayed on a shelf or in your home.

Kurinuki reminds me of the teachings of Laozi, who said that usefulness comes from the space within. But that space wouldn’t exist without the form around it. The two – form and void – are inseparable, and that’s the dynamic that makes kurinuki so meaningful.

It’s a dance between precision and imperfection, a reminder to slow down and embrace patience. This approach, and the philosophy behind it, is what drives Ondou – and it’s something I hope to share with everyone who brings one of these pieces into their lives.

— Greta | Ondou