Arakawa Pottery is like an open studio event every weekend. Thomas Arakawa and Kathy Lee-Arakawa welcome all into their space in San Jose. The couple, blending their Japanese and Korean heritage, give reverence to traditional ceramics in their gallery and studio. Both professional potters, they produce vessels that are pieces of standalone art while also being functional.
The couple’s approach is extremely intentional and small-scale, yet their offerings are vast. A visit to their shop (in person or online) reveals an astounding amount of items, featuring unique ceramics that they make themselves, like the new small tea cup, bowl and gaiwan line, pedestal ice cream bowls and dinnerware. The couple also creates traditional ikebana containers, working together throughout the process, from designing and forming the pieces to glazing and firing them, bringing their own hands and ideas to the work. While they are not formally trained in ikebana, they love flowers and display beautiful, seasonal flowers from their neighbor, GraceHope Flowers, in the studio every week. They also sell hard-to-find Taski knives, made in Seki, Japan, and more unique items that you won’t find just anywhere.
Their studio gallery is more than a workspace and shop. They bring people together and embody a sense of purpose and creative flow. “Part of what we try to do at Arakawa Pottery is bring meaningful things to our community—whether it’s handmade pottery, thoughtfully made tools or simply stories and ideas that resonate,” says Thomas Arakawa. “Many of our customers drive long distances to find ingredients they enjoy, think about career changes or work through family challenges. They are often looking for connection.”
5588 Sweigert Rd., San Jose | ikebanavase.com
