- Art & Design
Yukico Yamada’s ceramics for the Little $uzie apartment capture the quiet energy of the natural world. Each piece is hand-built, shaped freehandedly rather than following a strict design, ensuring that every vase and object is unique. Yamada favors rounded bases and soft curves, with surfaces ranging from smooth to textured. The subtle indentations or variations make the hand of the maker unmistakable. These are objects that feel lived-in, carrying a sense of history even in their freshness.
Yamada, a ceramist based in Tanba, grew up in rural Osaka surrounded by rivers and hills. From a young age, she observed the small wonders of the natural world, such as the shimmer of sunlight on leaves, the sway of grass, and the smell of the earth. All these moments shape the way she approaches clay. Her work captures fleeting qualities like light, texture, and motion. She held her first solo exhibition in Kyoto in 2019 and has since presented her work across Japan and internationally, including London, Australia, and China, earning recognition for the subtlety and authenticity of her creations. 
Freehanded shapes, rounded bases, and detailed textures define the collection, each object slightly different from the next, ensuring its uniqueness
The collection emphasizes individuality and connection to nature. Odd shapes and asymmetrical shapes dominate: bases are not made in a mould, featuring playful bumps and curves. Earthy tones, like black, brown, and grey, further enhance the sense of age and authenticity. Each piece carries an antique feel, yet remains distinct, as every object is shaped and formed by hand.
Each object carries a story through its texture and shape. The rounded bases provide stability, yet the tops and sides move freely, curving and leaning in a way that breaks expectations. Throughout the day, the changing light brings out the small uneven curves and imperfections in the surface. The irregularity and hand-built quality give the collection an exclusive character, echoing the natural world in miniature. 
Through her ceramics for Little $uzie, Yamada draws attention to the small moments that often pass unnoticed. The pieces are not perfect, but that is exactly their strength. Freehanded shapes, rounded bases, and detailed textures define the collection, each object slightly different from the next, ensuring its uniqueness. In every object, Yamada translates fleeting natural phenomena into forms that endure, encouraging viewers to connect with the world around us.
Photography by Yukico Yamada
Text by Ellen De Meyer