John Dix Kiln

Japan is known worldwide for its fantastic pottery. Hence the reason why I brought my dining room hutch empty when we moved here. Each region of Japan is known for a particular type of pottery, such as earthenware, stoneware, glazed pottery, glazed stoneware, porcelain, blue-and-white ware, and enamelware. You can buy generic pottery at almost any store for very pretty cheap or you can go to a specific region and buy a more "homemade" piece, which can run you anywhere from $100 all the way to $2000 and above.

Today I went on a day trip with CHIC to John Dix's kiln, a little over an hour outside of Kobe. It was a beautiful drive out into the countryside.

John Dix is an American from Michigan who studied with potters in the United States, Greece, and Israel before coming to Japan 20 year ago. His work is beautiful, drawing from his different experiences.

His studio and kiln are tucked away in a wooded little corner next to an old, small shrine.

All around the grounds were different pieces that he has done, from platters and mugs to vases and bowls.

John gets his clay from Shigaraki, which is known as being one of the oldest regions for pottery in Japan. Then what makes his "firing" unique from other types is that it is all done in a wood burning kiln. He "fires" two to three times a year, depending on his needs. Firing takes about five to six days, and approximately 400 pieces are fired each time. The "firing" process as he explained it, is pretty amazing. He is set to fire between December 26 and December 31 and I would LOVE to go see it in person.

We stopped the tour for a lunch break, which we ate in a tatami room up above his studio.


After lunch we were given a chance to see some of the pottery set to be fired later this month, as well as watch John "throw" a few pieces.
I had been eyeing this one particular one bowl from the moment I saw it. It took me all day to decide, but in the end I just had to have it. This is huge for me as I am very indecisive and until now just haven't found exactly what I was wanting. The top is oval shaped instead of round and it will be perfect for salads or dips. I just love the earthy brown colors. (The picture really doesn't do it justice)


In the car ride home, I had to chuckle with everyone about my first "real" piece of pottery from Japan being made by an American from Michigan. Who would have thought...

Washi Covered Tea Box

Today I decided to try something different from tours and cooking classes and try a washi covered tea box class. Basically you are taking this special Japanese paper and covering a wooden tea box. Imagine a cross between wallpapering and gift wrapping, both of which I am not good at, and you have a washi covered tea box.

There are many different sizes of tea boxes. Our class did the smallest one, which will fit 10 CD cases. You work from the top down, which means you start with the lid, then the lip of the box, the body and then the bottom. More advanced box coverer's can use different papers, cords and other embellishments.

The lid was the hardest. I am horrible at geometry, so imagine my frustration trying to measure, wrap and cover. However, surprisingly, I managed to do a decent job. (sorry the pictures aren't the best quality. I used my iphone, as I had forgotten my camera)

The next part is measuring and cutting the paper for the "lip" of the box. First you have to get the paper just right around the whole lip.

Then you have to tuck under and cut and wrap the corners just right.


Throughout the whole project, you have to keep taking wet clothes and press out all the air bubbles and wipe off all the excess rice glue.


As you can see, there is alot of measuring involved in this project.

Finally, I have my main piece cut out and ready to wrap the box.

Now all that is left is to finish the bottom.
After 3 hours, the bottom is glued on and my box is finally complete. (It is sitting upside down in this picture)

Here is our class's finished products. The two ladies in the front were our teachers –– Debbie and Debbie.

My goal is to make each of the kids a large box to take back to the United States to use as a "keepsake" chest of sorts from our time here. I may need to practice a few more times before I graduate to that project though.