ABOUT
About Polkaros
Polkaros is a playful ceramic art and lifestyle brand founded in Tokyo in 2011 by designer and ceramic artist Ros Lee. Over the years, it has grown into a joyful world of handcrafted characters and objects that celebrate love, friendship, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.
At the heart of Polkaros are our ceramic companions—each one brought to life with its own little story and charm. From Pierrot’s peaceful playfulness to Yuki’s gentle calm, from Mrs.'s timeless grace to Doggo’s loyal cheer, these characters have become beloved by our community around the world. We believe they stay with you not just as objects, but as friends.
Rooted in traditional Japanese craft and inspired by modern zakka sensibilities, our pieces are thoughtfully handmade with care and detail. After 14 years, our mission remains the same: to bring color, joy, and a sense of wonder into your daily life—one little character at a time.
Meet the Artist
Ros Lee is a ceramic artist and lifestyle product designer with a deep love for storytelling through objects. Her journey with clay began in childhood, growing up in Singapore where her family ran a pottery supplies business.
In 2002, she packed up a backpack of her ceramic artworks and flew to Tokyo to take part in Design Festa. Immersed in the vibrant art scene and inspired by the passionate artists she met, she knew Japan was where she wanted to grow as a creative.
In 2005, Ros was awarded the NAC Takashimaya Scholarship—a dream opportunity that brought her back to Japan to study craft and textile design, preceded by a year of intensive Japanese language training.
After graduating, she began her career at a Japanese lifestyle product company, where she designed zakka goods and developed a deep appreciation for everyday design that blends function with playfulness.
Later, Ros became the Asia-Pacific design consultant for the New York-based cosmetics brand Clinique, where she designed gift premiums for Japan and the wider region. These experiences helped shape her approach to design—playful yet purposeful, with a strong attention to detail and storytelling.
In 2011, she founded Polkaros—a brand that began in a small Tokyo studio and has since grown into a joyful collection of ceramic characters that celebrate love, friendship, and the beauty of handmade work. Each character is lovingly crafted with its own story, bringing warmth and imagination into everyday life.
Now based in Singapore, Ros continues to create from her ceramic studio and shares her passion through open studio events, workshops, and her online community on Instagram and Patreon. She also hosts a podcast where she invites fellow artists, craftspeople, and designers to share their stories—a space for creative exchange, reflection, and connection.