Art is everywhere, it is what tells the story of our culture and how we live. Not all art must hang on a wall or hide under glass. Art can consist of practical, everyday items meant to be used.

One artist who has embraced the idea of functionality in his work is Nobuhito Nishigawara. He’s a sculptural artist, educator, and the visionary behind W/R/F. His rich background and varied experience are what make his work so compelling. Not only does he build thought-provoking sculptural ceramic pieces found in galleries across the country, but he’s also using his talent to create distinctive dinnerware.

At Unison, we’re proud to offer you the Thrown Collection from W/R/F. Artistry and usability combine to form these thoughtfully designed pieces. Filled with clean lines and characteristics inspired by handmade pottery, this Japanese ceramic dinnerware collection deserves a closer look.

The Thrown Collection: Japanese Ceramic Dinnerware

Every piece in the Thrown Collection is one of a kind. Hand-thrown on the pottery wheel, each bowl, plate, and vase captures the delicate details of the ceramic-making process. Slight imperfections only add character and texture to this durable dinnerware.

There’s a plate or bowl for every need. Each style comes in three sizes and they’re sold individually so you can choose the best ones for your kitchen. The Plates have slightly tapered sides and a rounded rim, which elevates a typically simple item. The shape of the Flat Bowls makes them highly-functional and great for serving. The Round Plates with their wide, sloped sides are the perfect bowl and plate hybrid — perfect for saucy dishes. Complete your tabletop with one of the Thrown Vases. The simple style of the Vases make them the perfect spot to display floral greens, or you can use them as a minimal utensil holder.

These pieces are available in black or white. The black gloss glaze has a slight iridescent shimmer that beautifully reflects light. In white, the gloss glaze is clean and bright. A unique detail of the Thrown Collection is the raw natural matte clay left exposed on the bottom of each piece. It offers distinctive contrast on the black glazed dishes while the detail is more subtle against the white glaze. W/R/F fires passion and precision into every piece of ceramic that comes out of their kiln. When you bring one of these items into your home, it’s more than a dish or vase. It’s a handcrafted object that holds a story. So let’s get to know more about W/R/F and the artist behind it all.

Nobuhito Nishigawara

Nobuhito “Nobu” Nishigawara was born in Nagoya, Japan and took his first ceramics class as a child. He grew up near the Seto region which is famous for its rich history of pottery and ceramics, dating back over one thousand years. While he was surrounded by the craft growing up, it wasn’t the direct reason for his career choice.

He didn’t formally study ceramics until moving to Canada as a young adult. He enrolled in a class at Frazier Valley Community College and a professor there inspired him to start taking his craft seriously. He then transferred to Kansas City Art Institute to continue his studies, that’s where his career as an artist began. Nobu’s sculptural ceramic art has been shown all over the country and has been featured in major exhibitions at galleries and museums alike. He’s currently a professor and the Head of the Ceramics Department at California State University, Fullerton.

From Artist to Entrepreneur

Nobu’s first set of Japanese ceramic dinnerware was a gift for his wife. Using his work at home inspired him to design functional and resilient pieces that could stand up to daily use. From there he began to produce dinnerware under his company W/R/F. The initials stand for West River Field, the English translation of Nobu’s last name, Nishigawara.

All the work at W/R/F is based on the Japanese philosophy of Mingei crafts. Mingei means “the art of the people.” It’s a type of folk art that emphasizes functional pieces made “by the people, for the people.” Mingei theory celebrates the supreme beauty found in handmade objects, designed for everyday use, by craftsmen working to earn a living. Nobu shared his vision for the company with us, “I believe the pieces we make are not special occasion pieces, rather they’re to be used daily.”

The simple aesthetic of Nobu’s work combined with the details that come from handmade pottery result in something truly special. W/R/F dinnerware adds to the experience of enjoying a delicious meal. It doesn’t overpower or take center stage. It enhances whatever is served on it. As Nobu says, “It is important to me that the dinnerware is a harmonious addition to a table setting.”
Usability and practicality are also a big focus for Nobu. “This aspect of design is the primary inspiration for my work. I look at how an object is used and how it functions in a home.”

Every single piece that W/R/F makes is one of a kind. They’re all hand-thrown and hand-trimmed, featuring beautiful details that only come from such careful craftsmanship. It’s the perfect balance of producing consistent quality products without losing the textural characteristics of handmade pieces.Not surprisingly, Nobu’s favorite part of the ceramic making process is the end. “Opening a glaze kiln to see the finished pieces is always my favorite part. There are so many variables in ceramics. After the final firing is when I know that a piece is complete. It’s always rewarding when a kiln is filled with successful pieces.”

We’re happy to share W/R/F’s pieces with you. At first glance, each item appears to be a simple, everyday object. On the second look, exceptional details catch the eye. With daily use, the remarkable functionality of the Thrown Collection becomes clear. Bring this artistically inspired dinnerware into your home and turn every meal into a special occasion.