● Ceramics
Ismene King · Athens
Ismene King is a sculptor and ceramist, and the creator of Karis Studio in Athens. Her practice moves between sculpture and clay, where form and utility continuously inform one another.
“I am very interested in exploring ways that functionality merges with sculptural form, and for that reason I have been very drawn to techniques such as ‘Kurinuki’, a traditional Japanese technique which involves carving a ceramic vessel out of a block of clay, the final object being thus the culmination of carving and mark making.”
Read our conversation with her.
Handbuilt and handcarved in Athens using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, this ceramic mug blends function with sculptural form. Finished with oxide washes and layered glazes that highlight the clay’s natural character.
Handbuilt and handcarved in Athens using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, this mug blends function with sculptural form. Finished with oxide washes and layered glazes that highlight the clay’s natural character.
Handbuilt and handcarved in Athens using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, this piece blends function with sculptural form. Finished with oxide washes and layered glazes that highlight the clay’s natural character.
Handbuilt and handcarved in Athens using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, this piece blends function with sculptural form. Finished with oxide washes and layered glazes that highlight the clay’s natural character.
Kurinuki Light Blue Double Espresso Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a light blue glaze, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki Pink Double Espresso Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a pink glaze and expressive green brushstrokes, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the speckled caramel clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki Double Espresso Grey and Blue Brushstroke by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a grey glaze and expressive blue brushstrokes, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki White Double Espresso with Blue Brushstroke by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with an off white glaze and expressive blue brushstrokes, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki Blue Espresso Shot Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a blue glaze, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki Blue Double Espresso Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a blue glaze, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki White Espresso Shot Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a white glaze, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki Dark Brown Espresso Shot Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a dark brown glaze, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Dinner Plate, White with Blue Motif by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt in stoneware, the plate is finished with a white glaze and blue relief motifs that highlight the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Kurinuki Pink Espresso Shot Cup by Ismene King, the ceramic artist behind Karis Studio in Athens. Handbuilt and handcarved using the traditional Japanese Kurinuki technique, each cup is shaped by carving a vessel from a solid block of clay. Finished with a pink glaze and expressive green brushstrokes, the piece highlights the natural qualities of the clay while balancing everyday function with sculptural form.
Handbuilt and handcarved using the Kurinuki technique, a traditional Japanese method of carving a vessel from a mass of clay with various tools, this mug was made in Athens. It blends functionality with sculptural design, balancing practical use with artistic form.