| Customer: Male from Netherlands Program: 30-day pottery making in Tajimi Duration: 2013/10/11-2013/11/09 |
| Message from our customer: Pottery is my hobby from an early age. In 1976 I visited Japan for the first time. During that journey I was invited for a Japanese tea ceremony. I was so impressed by the tea bowls which are used during this ceremony, that I wanted to make Chawan myself. Because I like the Raku Chawan very much I specialised in making these red and black “Raku” Chawan. As an autodidact in The Netherlands it took many years to improve my skills. Now that I am retired, I’ve had the opportunity to stay in Japan for a longer period. So it became possible to do the 30-days stay at Home Of Clay Arts in Tajimi. Because Chawan are too big to transport easily, I decided not to make only Chawan but also sake cups (for me small Chawan). In this inspiring environment I tried other techniques and learned more about Raku, Shino, Oribe, Setoguro, Kiseto and more. Shibata sensei and his students were very nice and helpful. Highlights for me were the Chawan workshop that I did, the tea ceremonies, the Tajimi Onsen (hot spring bath), meeting old (Facebook) friends and making new ones. It was also great that I could use the (electric) bicycle. So it became possible to visit many places in and around Tajimi (I never used the bus). Thanks to everyone who contributed to the wonderful time that I had. I will never forget this experience. |
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