Akiko Hirai

Akiko Hirai originally studied cognitive psychology in Japan before moving to London in 1999 to study ceramics. Her practice centres on the Japanese tradition of allowing the clay to show how it wants to be fired while her work focuses on the interaction between object and viewer, allowing the viewer to interpret the language of the work in their own way.

Akiko makes practical ware using the Japanese tradition of allowing the clay to show how it wants to be fired itself. Her work also allows the viewers to find out the language of the objects in their own ways. She focuses on the interaction between the objects and the viewers.

Her work and unique approach to ceramic work have had much high praise and her work is becoming more in demand from her commissions worldwide.

Over the years, she has received international acclaim for her interpretation of the Moon Jar. In 2013, she was one of just five artists invited to create work for an exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre that explored the contemporary response to this celebrated object. In 2019 her piece, The Moon Jar ‘The life of…’ was shortlisted for the LOEWE Craft Prize. It was described by the judges as ‘an expressive and energised gestural interpretation of the iconic form of the moon jar’ and a work that ‘shows an understanding and respect for the heritage of ceramics further reimagined with a highly personal approach.’ Moon Jars by Akiko Hirai can be found in a number of museum collections including the Hepworth Wakefield Collection; The Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge; V&A Museum, London; Everson Museum, Syracuse, New York and Keramikmuseum Westerwald, Germany.

Akiko Hirai lives and works in London.