NEW WORK
New in the Studio: A Study in Texture and Terrain
This week, I’m excited to share two pieces that explore the relationship between raw earth and refined glazes. Both are now available at Yama Ceramics Studio.
The San Jacinto Yunomi
Crafted from a gritty black charcoal clay, this piece is a direct tribute to the rugged landscape of Mount San Jacinto. I’ve layered reactive glazes in mossy greens and lichen reds to mimic the resilient life that clings to the weathered granite peaks. It’s a piece designed to feel like a slice of the mountain in your hands.
What is a Yunomi? A Yunomi (Japanese: 湯のみ) is a style of tea cup made for daily, informal tea drinking.
The Amber & Sand Tumbler
This tumbler is all about the contrast between two distinct textures. I paired a gritty, matte "sand" glaze on the bottom with a glossy, honey-colored amber on top. The highlight is the thick, wavy "drip" line where the two glazes meet, creating a natural, landscape-inspired grip that feels incredibly grounded during your morning ritual.
This cup is a tribute to the quiet, rugged details found along the trails of Mount San Jacinto. I used a black charcoal clay to mimic the dark, weathered stone of the peaks, creating a deep and textured base that feels substantial in the hand.
The glaze work is inspired by the resilient moss and lichens that cling to the granite high above the tree line. I layered a mix of earthy greens and rusty reds to capture that organic, creeping growth.
What is a Yunomi?
A Yunomi (Japanese: 湯のみ) is a style of tea cup made for daily, informal tea drinking.
Why it’s special:
The Charcoal Clay: Unlike standard stoneware, this clay body has a dark, matte finish that makes the lichen-inspired colors truly pop.
Mountain Inspired: Every drip and color shift is meant to evoke the high-alpine landscape of Southern California.
Tactile & Grounded: The lower half is left unglazed to showcase the raw, gritty texture of the charcoal clay, providing a non-slip, earthy grip.
Modern Profile: The rim is slightly squared off, giving it an architectural feel while remaining comfortable for sipping.
The Details:
Body: Hand-thrown black charcoal stoneware.
Finish: Moss green and lichen red reactive glazes over a raw matte base.
Care: Food safe. Hand washing is recommended to maintain the integrity of the raw clay and intricate glaze work.
Dimensions: A comfortable, hand-hugging yunomi style (approx. 3.5" tall).
This tumbler is all about the "feel." I wanted to create a piece that played with different finishes, so I paired a gritty, matte "sand" glaze on the bottom with a glossy, honey-colored amber on top.
The highlight is that thick, wavy line where the two glazes meet in the middle. It creates a natural grip for your fingers and gives the cup a rugged, landscape-inspired look. Whether it’s your first cup of coffee or a quiet tea in the afternoon, this piece feels grounded and intentional.
The Details:
The Texture: The bottom glaze has a tactile, stony finish, while the top is smooth and glass-like. It’s a great sensory experience every time you take a sip.
Built to Last: Hand-thrown on the wheel at Yama Ceramics Studio using durable stoneware.
Daily Use: The interior is fully sealed and easy to clean.
Size: Stands about 5" tall—great for a flat white, a small latte, or even a glass of wine by the fire.
Care & Specs:
Materials: Stoneware clay with a dual-glaze finish.
Maintenance: Dishwasher and microwave safe. (Though, like all handmade pottery, it loves a gentle hand wash).
Unique Factor: Every kiln fire is different. The way the amber glaze drips over the sandy base will vary slightly from piece to piece, making yours a true original.
