Welcome to
Choungama
Established in 1979, the Choungama family has been dedicated to creating beautiful and functional ceramics for generations. Our workshop and exhibition hall are located in the moutains of Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Inspired by the colours and textures of our surroundings, we specialize in traditional Hagi ware, with our own unique twist.
OUR STORY
At Choungama, we are passionate about ceramics and have dedicated our lives to creating pottery that is both functional and beautiful. Traditional Hagi ware typically features warm, earthy tones.
In 1989, we developed our own glaze, a clear blue Hagi-yaki called Ao-Hagi, which has become our signature at Choungama. We have spent countless hours refining the perfect shade of blue, reminiscent of the sky, ocean and even outer space.
Contact sorayung@gmail.com for booking
About us
Meet the father-daughter duo Susumu and his daughter, Naoko. Founded by Susumu's father, Choun, Together they work hard to preserve what he started. Susumu and Naoko embrace the philosophy of Wabi-sabi, a Japanese tradition that finds beauty in the imperfections of life, aging, flaws, and the beauty of the effect of time. Having lived abroad, Naoko channels her experiences into creating items that harmonize seamlessly with Western cuisine. Susumu takes joy in the process of trial and error, finding satisfaction in experimenting and discovering new methods. Each piece crafted by the two are never the same, all with their own characteristics, embodying the essence of wabi-sabi.
Susumu Notomi's biography
Born: February 19, 1951, Japan
Education
1973 – B.Eng., Kanto Gakuin University
Career
1975 – Began studying ceramics under his father, Chōun
1985 – Began producing works under his own seal
Selected Solo Exhibitions
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2019 – Fukuya Hatchobori Main Store
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2018 – Blue in Nature: Ao-Hagi Pottery, Nippon Club, New York
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2018 – Tales of Blue Pottery, Onishi Gallery, New York
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2018 – Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Tokyo
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2018 – Yokosuka Saikaya Department Store
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2016 – Maruzen Yaesu Main Store, Tokyo
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2015 – Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Tokyo
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2013 – JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan
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2012 – Maruzen Main Store
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2010 – Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
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2007 – Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
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2006 – Yamato-Yashiki Department Store, Himeji
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2004 – Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Tokyo
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2004 – Tenmaya Hatchobori Store
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2003 – Tenmaya Hatchobori and Mihara Stores
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2000 – Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
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1998 – Mitsukoshi Shinjuku; Maruzen Nihombashi
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1996 – Maruzen Nihombashi
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1995 – Mitsukoshi Shinjuku
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1994 – Mitsukoshi Shinjuku
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1989 – Tokyu Nihombashi Store
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Collaborations & Special Projects
2017 – Collaboration with fashion designer Hiroko Koshino, SAIKAI no Ao (Blue of SAIKAI), KH Gallery Ashiya
2017 – Video collaboration with violinist Mari Kimura, Music in Hues Roulette, Brooklyn, New York
2017 – Making of Ao-Hagi Tune of Blue (Sky and Ocean: The Movement of Blue), Nippon Club, New York
2016 – Collaboration with Hiroko Koshino, HAJIMARI no Ao (Beginning Blue), KH Gallery Ginza
Selected Group Exhibitions
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World Ceramic Expo 2001, Republic of Korea
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Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition III
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Tanabe Museum Grand Prize Exhibition: Tea Ceremony Forms
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Contemporary Form Exhibition V, Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art
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West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
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Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
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Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
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Awards
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Yamaguchi Prefecture Cultural Achievement Award (2019)
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Award for the 15th Anniversary of the Hagi City Merger
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Excellence Award, Exhibition of Hagi Ceramic Artists
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Encouragement Award, Tanabe Museum Tea Ceremony Forms Exhibition
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Yamaguchi Prefecture Educational Merit Award
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Encouragement Award, West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
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Encouragement Award (Yamaguchi Governor’s Prize), West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition
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Honorable Mention, Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum
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Encouragement Award, Yamaguchi Branch of the Japan Kōgei Association
Collections / Media
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Featured on BS Asahi television program Lineage of Technique (2005)
Professional Affiliations
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Full Member, Japan Kōgei Association
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Auditor, Yamaguchi Branch, Japan Kōgei Association
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Director, Hagi Pottery Artists Association
