Ryoji Koie was born in Tokoname, Japan, in 1938. He started making pottery at 16, working first in a local tile factory before studying at the Tokoname Institute. Koie quickly developed a unique style that blended traditional Japanese techniques with a modern, experimental approach. He experimented with different materials, firing methods, and forms, drawing inspiration from postwar movements like abstract expressionism and Mono-ha. His work is known for its bold, gestural surfaces and innovative use of glaze.
Koie became one of Japan's most influential contemporary artists, using ceramics not only for artistic exploration but also as a way to comment on social and political issues. He traveled the world, firing pots in places like the U.S., Italy, and South Korea. His work is held in major museums around the globe, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of modern ceramics.