RYO KODOMARI • CERAMICIST
OKINAWA • JAPAN

Ryo Kodomari is a contemporary ceramicist, living and working in Okinawa, Japan.

Born in Shizuoka, Japan, Ryo later moved to Okinawa and graduated from the Prefectural Art University. He then stayed on the island of Okinawa and established his studio in Nakijin in 2006. He has since exhibited extensively within Japan and internationally.

Kodomari-san's work is bathed in soft swathes of pink, brown and a warm yellow, like melted honey, that's unmistakable his. His forms are playfully atavistic and embody a childlike sense of joy and exuberant creativity. In a delight to all the the senses, each piece has weight and texture that begs to be held and touched.

His iconic "trunk" mugs and jugs have handles inspired by an elephant's trunk - a feature that's both whimsical and highly function, fitting beautifully under the fingers. This is work that's designed to be used and enjoyed every day.

WORK @ DEA

We'd been stocking Kodomari-san's work at DEA for some years, when we finally had a chance to visit Ryo in his studio in Okinawa, early in 2025. While we'd long been captivated by his work, after experiencing it amongst the lush, relaxed and gentle flow of Okinawa it now made perfect sense, which only deepened our understanding and respect for this sensitive and talented artist.