Pottery Making in Kyoto

Japan is very famous for its pottery. So I was more than excited when I heard that CHIC would be offering a day trip to Kyoto to make your own pottery.

I didn't quite know what to expect, as things never wind up being what you expected them to be here. There was nine of us in our group. We took a train, then a bus, then walked to the studio. Outside there was a sample of sizes and colors that we could choose from. You could make any shape really, the cost more depended on the final size of the piece.

Once inside there were seven potter's wheels and finished and unfinished (ready to be fired) pottery everywhere.

 

There were three potters there, two of which spoke very good English. They first explained to us how to work the wheel and clay and then they let us have a turn at making our own piece.

 

 

First the clay is shaped into a small ball with an indent on the top.

 

Next you wet your hands and start shaping the clay. There are different techniques you use to make the shape and form of your piece.
 

 

Now I was very nervous about doing this. I do not have an artistic bone in my body. However I am very proud to say that not only did my piece turn out darn good, but the guy praised me several times and said he was surprised this was my first time making anything on a potters wheel. Yes, I am being a bit self-righteous and braggy here, but considering my past history of trying anything artistic I think I have a right to be. Just ask those who have attended tea box classes with me or my good friend Keri. Matt, however, was not as thrilled about my bowl as I was. I think he is afraid this may become an expensive liking.

 

  

I choose a dark brown with a speckled color on the top for the glazing. I cannot wait to see what it looks like finished.  I should get it in about two weeks.

Next we went to lunch at a cute little tempura and noodle shop. Very yummy.

After lunch, the real adventure began. But that will be saved for my next entry. After all, I need something to make sure my readers come back.

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...

Kitchen Street - Osaka

On what would be the US's Thanksgiving Day, Mary Gail and I decided to venture to Osaka for a trip to Kitchen Street. Neither of us wanted to sit around home, so we decided to head out for a little adventure.

Kitchen Street is a long tunnel full of stores many local restaurants will come to shop for items to use in their places.


The stores inside Kitchen Street sell just about anything you can imagine, such as aprons, kitchen gadgets, table wear, baking items, sign boards, chopsticks, paper lanterns, contemporary furniture, and even plastic food.


There were several pottery stores, many filled wall-to-wall with bowls, plates, platters, tea kettles and chopstick holders.

I was so overwhelmed with all the cool pottery that I couldn't figure out just what I wanted. After scouring the stores for a few hours all I managed to buy was 8 chopstick holders and a wine bucket –– all costing less than ¥1900 (around $20). I will have to go back soon to select some of the pottery dishes.

After we wandered Kitchen Street we went over to Namba Parks mall where Mary Gail told me she knew of a Hawaiian restaurant that was pretty good.


I was so excited when I saw the menu. In a country where only a few import stores carry turkey one time per year, this restaurant had a turkey and avocado sandwich served on wheat bread.

I got turkey on Thanksgiving!!!

We also split the biggest basket of fries I have ever seen in Japan.

Turkey and the day with a friend -- it turned out to be a nice Thanksgiving after all.

Artist I Am Not

So I went to Paint Your Pot with some people from playgroup. It was this cool little place where you pretty much can chose anything you can think of to custom paint and then they stick it in a kiln and fire it. I had a great time, but as you can see from my lovely serving bowl I will not be receiving any invites to the Chicago School of Art anytime soon.