Hasta La Ideas

Japan’s Starnet share their most recent creations at Heath Ceramics Los Angeles

In their first visit to the United States, Japan’s famed Starnet artisans fill Heath Ceramics in Los Angeles with a gallery of handcrafted designs. Curated by Shin Nakahara of Playmountain and Heath’s Adam Silverman, the Starnet Works summer shop features delicate ceramics, hand-worked leather goods, dyed textiles, wooden boards and chopsticks, photography prints and light boxes.

Founded in 1998 by designer Baba Koshi, the original Starnet location in Mashiko, Japan has grown into a gallery, cafe, studio and shop. Now Starnet has gallery spaces in Tokyo and Osaka and a growing number of fans throughout the world.

Shin toasted the summer shop and its showcase of modern Japanese pottery with Silverman upon its opening. “This line is very daring and offers a new challenge for Starnet,” he explains. “Its sensitive approach to its design, directed by my friend and pottery master Baba san, uses a specific type of clay and glaze from a town in Japan called Mashiko. I believe the series of Nukajiro is truly indigenous to Mashiko, while quietly breaking new ground in Japanese pottery.”

The Starnet Works Summer Shop is on view at Heath Los Angeles until 10 September. Pieces can be purchased in person at the Los Angeles location or by viewing the online gallery and calling Heath Ceramics Los Angeles to place orders by phone.