” Nature, that miraculous giver of life, has been a source of inspiration for many Japanese artists, potters included, for many a century. Whether it be in floral motifs or the naturalness of their chosen materials or birds in flight, nature has played a conscious role in shaping the thoughts and vessels of Japanese potters. This is due in part to the way of tea and its connection with Zen; it’s been said that there is no tea without Zen. Yet some potters have forsaken the cherished chawan (tea bowl) and still find inspiration from nature in other ways, by re-creating forms in the natural world like mountains, stones, rippling water, vegetables or snow. “

– The Japan Times: April 22, 2000