On soba choko cups, a shape traditionally decorated in cobalt blue with various intricate designs, French artist Jochen Gerner has portrayed the animals he encountered – seen or heard – during his residency in Arita. The animals, made up of shadows, lines and dots, are accompanied by graphic traces that seem to have remained after their passage – imprints, movements or waves that hint at the presence and character of each species. The artisan’s signature, usually affixed to the base of the cup, is replaced here by a silhouette confirming the identity of the animal encountered, and by the artist’s seal, drawn in the manner of a traditional Japanese seal.

Each drawing, first printed on washi paper, is meticulously transferred to the porcelain biscuit using a moistened brush. This handmade process, reminiscent of woodblock printing, called Inban, gives each piece subtle variations in the thickness and hue of the motifs, making each one unique.