Reiko Kaneko

British-Japanese designer Reiko Kaneko wants to prove that the fine bone china industry has moved on from its twee reputation. Her world is not of 18th century figurines but of modern shapes that are typically witty or simple, Japanese inspired forms.

The influence of Kaneko’s early childhood spent in Japan is apparent in her ceramic tableware forms. After studying at Central St Martins, she established her design studio in London’s East End in 2007. Kaneko has recently moved her studio to Stoke on Trent in order to integrate design and production more closely. The production and design developments benefit from being localised as well as offering her opportunities to experiment with different glazes and clay.

Her collections are often produced by combining 3D modeling programmes with centuries-old expertise from makers in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Kaneko is passionate about her production being based in this city that’s known world-wide as the traditional home of pottery and, though much of the production has moved abroad in recent decades, there is still a vibrant hub of industry that Kaneko is keen to bring to the forefront of modern ceramic design.