Earth and Ember
An Exhibition of Anagama Woodfired Ceramics by Keisuke Iwata
September 25 – October 9, 2024
We are excited to present Earth and Ember at Nalata Nalata, opening September 25th“, featuring the exceptional ceramics of Keisuke Iwata from Fukuoka. Since meeting Iwata in New York in 2016, we’ve had the privilege of visiting his studio, gaining deep insight into his meticulous approach to ceramics. His organic forms—from whimsical teapots to elegant bowls—continue to inspire us, blending charm, utility, and artistry.
Keisuke Iwata’s work bridges the ancient and the contemporary through the Anagama woodfiring process. Rooted in centuries-old Japanese techniques, each piece is born from a single, extended firing, where wood, flame, and clay meet in a kiln. Ash and fire leave unique textures on every piece, creating forms that cannot be replicated.
Often appearing timeworn yet deliberate, his works reflect a deep connection to nature. Inspired by his coastal home in Fukutsu, Japan, Iwata incorporates elements like seashells, leaving subtle imprints on his forms. Earth and Ember focuses on his Anagama-fired ceramics alongside select works made in alternative kilns, exploring raw, tactile beauty. The exhibition evokes the passage of time and the interplay between creation and transformation, where fire and ash leave lasting marks on clay.
Our collaboration with Iwata introduces Wall Hanging Stone Vases, extending his engagement with natural elements like his standing Stone Vases. Like his Anagama pieces, these vases bear the unpredictable marks of the kiln, embodying the transformative power of the process.
This exhibition highlights Iwata’s rare Anagama woodfired ceramics, such as Anagama No.2 Large Heishi Vase, fired just once a year in a ceremonial process. Each firing is an intricate performance: the kiln’s flames dance around the pieces, ash deposits accumulate, and the path of the fire traces distinct textures. The resulting works are one-of-a-kind, shaped by the unpredictable dialogue between clay, flame, and time.
Alongside the Anagama works, the exhibition includes his decorative vases and functional tableware: sculptural stones, teapots, teacups, plates, bowls, and small bud vases and large vases. Iwata’s incorporation of found materials and his attention to coastal textures capture both beauty and impermanence, reminding us of the natural world in every piece.
Keisuke Iwata’s ceramics transcend traditional boundaries, offering objects that are both visually compelling and inherently functional. His presence at the exhibition provides a rare opportunity to engage with the artist and hear the story behind each creation.
Opening Reception
Wednesday, September 25 | 5:00 – 8:00pm
RSVP recommended; capacity is limited. Keisuke Iwata will be in attendance.
Exhibition Dates
September 25 – October 9 | Wednesdays to Sundays
Read the exhibition Opening Remarks here.
View a recap of the exhibition here.
Shop the Exhibition
Anagama No.5 - Conical Vase (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.5 Conical Vase. Shaped like a skewed chimney—fitting, since that’s where I came from. You could say I’ve got history baked into every curve.
$1,250 USD
Stone Hanging Vase
Keisuke Iwata for Nalata NalataI am a Stone Hanging Vase. A rockstar—literally! Once standing tall, now I’m hanging out. Give me a little greenery, and I’ll be center stage in your home.
$175 USD
Anagama No.6 - Large Bulb Vase (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.6 Large Bulb Vase. I’m not just here to hold flowers—I’m here to make a statement. With bold contours and unexpected details, every side of me tells a different story, like I was shaped by the earth itself.
$2,950 USD
Anagama No.40 - Chawan
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.40 Chawan. Warm and unpredictable, I’m the chawan with stories etched all around me. From my kiln-fired hues to the tomobako I call home, I’m a little piece of tradition wrapped in a dash of mystery. Go ahead—explore every side.
$850 USD
Anagama No.9 - Open Vessel (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No. 9 Open Vessel. Crimson tones, rough edges, and a hint of unpredictability—there’s no taming me. Simple, raw, and full of life, I bring a little fire wherever I go.
$460 USD
Anagama No.19 - Black Cube Vase (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No. 19 Black Cube Vase. Sharp-edged and severe, I dwell in darkness, with a hint of red glow lingering at the corners echoing the fire that shaped me. A vessel of contrasts, I invite exploration of my depths.
$210 USD
Anagama No.36 - Flared Sake Cup (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.36 Flared Sake Cup. Dark, brilliant, and a little sparkly—I’ve been through fire, but you’d never guess.
$265 USD
Anagama No.38 - White Sake Cup - Wide (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.38 White Sake Cup. Glazed, uniquely tinted, and a little fire-kissed. Sip with me, and you’ll feel the heat that shaped me.
$260 USD
Anagama No.1 - Dappled Gray Vase (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.1 Dappled Gray Vase. Fired not once, but twice, I’ve emerged with a marbley, dappled surface—part abstract art. Resting on three secret seashells, I’m full of stories waiting to be uncovered.
$3,650 USD
Anagama No.11 - Cylindrical Vase (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.11 Cylindrical Vase. You’ll find me with a unique beauty mark—a fiery touch that only the kiln could leave behind.
$245 USD
Stone Vase (OUT OF STCOK)
Keisuke IwataI am a Stone Vase. You'll be surprised to find that a flower can bloom in hearth and home as hard as rock.
$125 USD
Anagama No.7 Stretched Neck Vase (OUT OF STOCK)
Keisuke IwataI am Anagama No.7 Stretched Neck Vase. Stiff-necked in the best way, I stand tall, shaped by fire and time. A glowing ember from the kiln lingers on my surface, a quiet reminder that even the stillest forms hold traces of movement.
$650 USD