ARKET | Takashi Tsushima
View a video of Takashi Tsushima in his studio in Fukuoka, his hometown in southern Japan.
We’re delighted to welcome a new collection of ceramic plates by Japanese illustrator and painter Takashi Tsushima to the gallery.
Based in Fukuoka, Tsushima is known for his whimsical visual language—his work blending soft, fluid lines with playful animal motifs. His distinctive style has found expression across a variety of media, from ceramics to textiles, and we’re pleased to share a short film below, kindly provided by ARKET, that offers a glimpse into his world and creative process. The video was produced as part of their collaboration, in which Tsushima illustrated a series of designs for a collection of woven blankets.
A special thank you to ARKET for allowing us to feature this beautiful piece.
“I was born and raised in Fukuoka, and I don’t travel, so I have lived here my whole life. It’s a very compact and convenient city. With a bicycle, we can go both to urban areas, the mountains, or the ocean. … People look friendly and cheerful, and many of my friends are living close to me. I feel comfortable and happy in Fukuoka.”
- Takashi Tsushima
This new collection of hand-drawn ceramic plates beautifully demonstrates his distinctive style, with a semi-transparent quality reminiscent of watercolour painting. Each plate is unique, capturing the charm of his expressive linework with animal and floral motifs.
Tsushima’s approach reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of life: that animals, plants, and people exist in harmony. While his work has been featured in books, textiles, and exhibitions across Japan, it remains grounded in a quiet, personal love for drawing—something he’s carried with him since childhood.
“I’m not sure I can call myself an artist,” he says. “I never thought of becoming an artist, but I’ve loved drawing since I was a child. It was just a thing I could do... I’ve longed for working in relation to drawing, and for living with drawing. And here I am.”
Playful and soulful, these pieces are not only functional ceramics, but little moments of storytelling.
Photography & videography courtesy of ARKET