Yu MarutaYu Maruta

He is the third generation of the Maruta family, a famous kiln for Kuromuta ware, and is a notable artist who combines the tradition and innovation of Karatsu ware.
After studying under Mashiko ware artist Shosaku Akashi and learning the basics of working with earth and fire, he inherited the workshop of his grandfather, Masami Maruta, a Kuromuta ware kiln with over 400 years of history. Currently, he continues to explore his own unique expression while deeply familiar with the world of his father, Munehiko Maruta, a leading figure in Karatsu ware.

Born into a family of ceramic artists, and having absorbed techniques and sensibilities from artists of different lineages, Professor Maruta Yu's work is a blend of "inheritance" and "innovation."
While based on Karatsu tradition, they are sometimes unconventional, featuring bold and playful designs, such as widening the rim of a sake cup like a tokkuri.

The challenge of lighting up Karatsu ware in red

Karatsu ware is known for its subdued, subdued color, achieved by combining iron-rich soil with ash and straw ash glazes. While the red and blue hues that appear accidentally during firing can create beautiful scenes, these are merely by-products of the kiln transformation process, and it has long been considered difficult to intentionally make red the main color.

Professor Maruta Yu challenged this "common sense" by thoroughly researching the clay mixture, glaze adjustments, firing temperature and flame circulation, and finally succeeded in consistently producing a series of intentionally reddish works.
This is "Karatsu Red," which is attracting attention as an extremely rare attempt in modern Karatsu.

Playfulness and exquisite design

One of the attractions of Professor Maruta Yu's work is the freedom of its form while still respecting tradition.

For example, works such as the "Karatsu Sake Cup" and "Whale Skin Sake Cup" are impressive in that, while they mirror the appearance of old Karatsu, they have been created with a strong belief in the "beauty that he saw with his own eyes," with changes made to the shape of the rim and the form of the body.

While using Karatsu glazes such as straw ash glaze and black glaze, many of his works add their own unique nuances, creating a harmony between the strength of his father, Munehiko's work, and his own delicate sensibility.

Tasteful tableware that is popular with chefs

In recent years, an increasing number of chefs from other prefectures have been visiting the store early in the morning to purchase the works of Professor Maruta Yu.
In particular, serving plates and small bowls have the power to bring out the flavor of food, and they have an excellent balance of practicality and the taste of pottery.

The Road to the Three Brothers Exhibition

Our shop, Ichibankan, has been selling the works of Professor Maruta Munehiko for many years. Through this connection, we had the opportunity to meet Professor Maruta Yu when he was still living at his parents' home.

The first time their works were officially exhibited was at the "Maruta Brothers Exhibition." After that, the long-awaited Maruta Family Exhibition was realized, with the second one being held in 2024.
The exhibition highlighted the individuality of each family member, with many commenting that Professor O's work in particular exudes "depth that comes from youth and years of training."