Two types of red clay are used, one from Inatsu and the other from Shigaraki. The potter decides which one to use according to the image of the finished product. In order to maximize the texture of the clay, the traditional “Shinogi” decoration technique is used. Before the potter’s clay dries, the surface of the clay is scraped with a spatula and a canner. He uses a spatula and a canner to scrape the surface of the clay before it dries. He carves using his senses, adjusting the insertion of the blade and amount of hand pressure according to the differences in the clay and the degree of drying. While rotating the pottery, he carves one round for the outer leaves and another round for the inner leaves. The result is a three-dimensional laurel tree with a rich expression. After the first unglazed firing, the carved parts are covered with white clay and fired again. Glaze is applied for finishing and the piece is fired at 1,250 degrees Celsius. The individual leaves of laurel that appear in white on the rim accentuate the beauty of Shinogi even more. Although the work in the studio sometimes takes a long time, he says, “I think the texture and warmth of the clay, and the shimmer and delicacy of Shinogi can only be expressed by hand. We are proud of our careful and detailed pottery making,” Yuya says without hesitation. This is the kind of mastery that can only be achieved with advanced techniques and experience.