abe pottery studio nooc

Potter Shintaro Abe, the founder of abe pottery studio nooc, first encountered ceramics at a university pottery club and started making pots in earnest around 2005. After studying glazes at a ceramic technology center, he became independent in 2013 and began his career as a studio potter.

He later moved his base to the current studio in Kasama, equipped with a large gas kiln. While developing his own series of pieces — including works with soft grey glazes and antique-like forms — he gradually built up a team of staff and part-time assistants.

By around 2015-2019, they had established a mid-volume production style: clay preparation and forming are shared, while decorating and finishing remain strongly connected to the potter's hand. This system made it possible to offer a consistent line of tableware without losing the individuality of each piece.

In 2020, as pottery fairs and in-person events became difficult due to COVID-19, Abe launched the online store "nooc" as a new way to present his work. The name "nooc" comes from several inspirations: the English word "nook," the sound of knocking on the studio door, and the idea of pieces sleeping in the back of the workshop.

In 2021, the studio was incorporated as abe pottery studio Inc., creating a more stable environment for staff and laying the foundation for continuing their work in Kasama over the long term. Today, the brand combines exhibitions at galleries and shops across Japan with the nooc online store, sending pieces that quietly support everyday life.

Small pottery manufacturer rooted in Kasama

Located in the pottery town of Kasama, Ibaraki, abe pottery studio nooc works as a "small pottery manufacturer." With a team-based production style, they keep the warmth of handwork while offering stable quality and quantity for everyday use.

Online store for prototypes and unique pieces

The online store "nooc" introduces prototypes and pieces with stronger individual differences that were not shown at solo exhibitions. It is a place where one-of-a-kind pieces, born in the back of the studio, can find their way to everyday tables.

Mid-volume production for daily tableware

From clay preparation and attaching handles to kiln loading, unloading, and shipping, the work is shared among the team. This mid-volume production style allows them to maintain a studio-like quality while keeping their pieces accessible for daily use.