From Tokyo to Copenhagen: The Journey Behind Studio Arhoj’s Playful & Unique Ceramics

In this interview, we sit down with the visionary behind Studio Arhoj, a ceramics studio that blends Japanese and Scandinavian influences into playful, functional art. From humble beginnings experimenting in Tokyo to a fully-fledged studio in Copenhagen, the journey has been one of creativity, passion, and unexpected "happy accidents." Whether it's the iconic Ghost figurines or the quirky Crystal Blobs, Studio Arhoj’s designs resonate with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, materials, and subtle design nuances. Join us as we explore how this innovative studio came to life, what drives its founder, and the inspirations that continue to fuel its work.

What inspired you to launch Studio Arhoj?

I worked in graphic design for many years before I started being attracted to the mysteries of clay and making physical items. But always loved interior design and crafting items.

Can you walk us through how Studio Arhoj transitioned from ideas sparked in Tokyo to a functioning ceramics studio?

It was kind of a gradual process in which I realized I had to establish a physical studio to

accommodate the demand for my ceramic experiments. Besides doing illustration jobs from my home office I was working from a community studio making items in clay and realized I had to up the production and take a chance on building my own.

I signed my first lease in August 2013, bought my first little kiln, some shelves and thrifted a lot of stuff to make a cozy ceramic studio - and from then on gradually rebuilt, grew, moved and expanded the studio into the company it is today.

Was it difficult to mix Japanese and Scandinavian design and culture?

No, they’re very close in many ways. I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and always enjoyed the many things we have in common history wise in local production, functional pottery and an inherited love for materials that are not covered in paint, decorations and colours. The naked piece of wood, the untreated granite etc.

I also love the wackiness of colours and humour which you find in Japanese popculture. Things seem to work on many layers in Japan and isn't always just for the naked eye. Subtle nuances are uncovered in litterature, film and design which takes some time to understand and appreciate.

The Ghost figurine is incredibly distinctive, how did that come about?

Thank you! Well, the Ghost was invented by Danish ceramicist Louise Gaarmann and myself

during a weekend of experimenting in 2010. We had a lot of red wine, many discussions and a lot of tests to throw on the wheel based on my sketches from my work as a character designer. We did a lot of ideas and the Ghosts just came about among other less succesful products, ha. In the studio we have worked with the Ghost for many years in many variations and versions, but always kept the simple lines, same eyes and hand thrown approach.

Among your most iconic pieces: Ghosts, Chug Mugs, Crystal Blobs, what do you feel best represents Studio Arhoj?

I would say the Crystal Blobs do encapsulate the vision for our studio: Affordable but unique

products. Something that is a small piece of art that is not mass produced, but at the same time with a price tag that reflects it being made in a craftsman run studio- like the old days where the local village pottery supplied the need for functionware and more exclusive gifts for special events. Weare basically just that village pottery. or in the case of the Crystal Blob; the village hotshop.

We also love to launch lines that allow us to further develop and constantly innovate on the same product with new colours, patterns and techniques.

Do you recall any happy accidents or “mysterious misfires” that led to unexpected designs?

Well, I mostly recall melted down accidents and broken kiln plates, ha. But now and then we have discovered minor things, like a glaze that actually looks cool when fired 200 C higher than it's supposed to. Or sometimes we intentionally "break the rules" and treat things how they're not supposed to from the supplier. It's fun!

Follow Studio Arhoj on https://arhoj.com

Words by Sal F. and photos by Studio Arhoj