There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a handmade piece finds its place in your home. It’s more than décor — it’s a feeling. A presence. A story that settles softly into your everyday life. 

This is exactly what drew Alma Gray to ceramic artist Kyoko Asada, whose work carries an atmosphere of calm, warmth, and thoughtful simplicity. If you’ve ever held one of her pieces, you’ll know: it has a gentle soul. 

But who is the artist behind this quiet charm? Let’s step into her world. 

A Creative Beginning in Japan 

Kyoko’s journey into design started long before she ever touched clay. After graduating from Art University in Japan, she became a designer for the well-loved footwear company Himiko. 

Working in design shaped the way she sees form and function — noticing curves, balance, and the small details that often go overlooked. She learned to read the personality of materials, to listen to them, and let them guide her hands. Those early years planted the seeds for the artist she would eventually become. 

Finding Her Way to Clay 

Ceramics came later - committed and determined, Kyoko spent a full year in Japan receiving formal ceramic training, guided by master craftspeople who helped refine her technique and artistic voice. 

She discovered that clay has its own rhythm. It asks for patience. It rewards presence. And it responds to touch in a way that preserves the moment forever. 

This slow, mindful process is what gives her pieces their softness — not just in shape, but in spirit. 

A New Life in New Zealand 

Today, Kyoko lives and creates in Auckland, New Zealand, where the natural landscape plays a gentle but constant role in her work. The soft coastal light, the textures of stone and sand, the quiet colours of morning — they all find their way into her palette and forms. 

Her pieces feel like a conversation between Japan and New Zealand: 
the tradition and philosophy of one, the open, calming beauty of the other. 

The Art of Imperfection 

If there’s one word that lingers in Kyoko’s artistry, it’s wabi-sabi — the Japanese appreciation for imperfection and the beauty found in things that are natural, earthy, and real. 

You’ll see it in her uneven glazes. 
In the way her forms soften and curve organically. 
In the subtle textures that invite you to run your fingers across the surface. 

Nothing is forced. Nothing is overworked. Everything feels honest. 

Her pieces don’t demand attention — they earn it quietly. 

Why We Love Working with Kyoko 

We have always felt that homeware should feel personal. It should carry warmth, intention, and the touch of the maker behind it. 

That’s why partnering with Kyoko felt natural. 

Her pieces embody everything we admire: 
the slow process, the thoughtful creation, the balance between beauty and usefulness, and the charm of something truly handmade. 

Every piece she makes feels like a moment of calm — something your home deserves. 

A Piece with a Story 

When you bring home a ceramic piece by Kyoko Asada, you’re bringing home more than a beautifully crafted object. 
You’re bringing home her journey — from Japan to New Zealand, from designer to ceramic artist, from fast-paced design work to the gentle rhythms of clay. 

Each item is made with hands that understand patience and eyes that see beauty in the imperfect. 

These are pieces to be used, loved, and kept. 

Explore Kyoko’s work 

Discover her exclusive collection and bring a little quiet beauty into your home here.