Little Tokyo, Los Angeles – An exhibition that presents both elegant white porcelain vessels and whimsical porcelain sculptures of tofu in a variety of forms will open at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), Los Angeles August 16-17, 2025.
The pure white vessels and the unique ceramic sculptures are the work of Kenta Takaki, a ceramic artist from Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu, Japan’s southwestern main island. He works exclusively in Amakusa clay, a pure white porcelain that has been mined and used in the region for over 250 years.
Using this fine porcelain clay, Takaki creates utilitarian vessels for eating and drinking, including elegant bowls and slender dishes. Unlike many traditional porcelains, these vessels are coated with a transparent glaze and no decoration, to emphasize the purity of the clay and the grace of the forms. In addition, the energy of the clay motivates Takaki to create thought-provoking sculptural works – often mimicking other materials, such as paper and food.
The highlight of this exhibition is his current series of porcelain sculptures that mimic tofu, a curd made from mashed soybeans that is a staple of Japanese cuisine – and is also white. Employing his skills as a ceramicist and a touch of wit, he creates lifelike and often whimsical tofu models that appear delicious enough to eat.
This will be the first solo exhibition of Kenta Takaki’s work in the United States. It is curated by Japanese art historian Meher McArthur. “Takaki’s work shows two very different aspects of Japanese culture,” says McArthur. “He pairs technical skill and refinement with a wonderful sense of humor.”
About the Artist
Kenta Takaki was born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1986. As a young man, he studied ceramics under Kazuhiro Kanazawa, a fifth-generation potter making Maruo Ware, a popular local ceramic made of red clay. After his apprenticeship with Kanazawa, he became independent and in 2016 established his own kiln working in Amakusa porcelain because he was attracted by the charm of porcelain and its possibilities.