Craft Yuuki was founded in 1997 by Kiyotaka Yamazaki, who began his career at a major Seto porcelain manufacturer, learning the art of prototype creation and design. Today, he creates every piece by hand—designing, sculpting, and finishing each one himself.
Inspired by animals and birds, Yamazaki’s work is designed to bring a gentle sense of warmth and comfort to people’s hearts. Using clay to capture the tenderness and beauty of nature, each piece reflects a love for living creatures and the calm they bring to our lives.
The concept behind his creations is what he calls “Real Kawaii”—a balance between realism and cuteness. His pieces are detailed and lifelike, yet softened with a charming warmth that makes them timeless and endearing. Using traditional mold-making (not slip casting), he ensures each piece retains a handmade character, filled with individuality and warmth.
Owls, lucky cats (maneki-neko), and geckos are just a few of the beloved motifs featured in his work—each carefully chosen for their cultural significance as lucky charms. In Japan, it's common to give clocks as gifts for housewarmings or new beginnings. That tradition helped make his charming clock sculptures widely popular.
Craft Yuuki is based in Seto, a historic town in central Japan known for its high-quality clay and a thousand-year tradition of ceramics.
Through Craft Yuuki, Yamazaki continues to blend Seto’s tradition with heartfelt artistry, creating warm, handcrafted pieces that bring a gentle smile to everyday life.