Friday November 23 is a national holiday in Japan so why not escape the crowded shopping districts in favour of a much quieter, more alluring art exhibit?
Ceramics is one of Japan’s oldest art forms. More than all the other traditional Japanese crafts combined, pottery has brought and continues to bring students from abroad to study the techniques and aesthetics of ceramics. The clay, the shaping processes, the tools, the decoration techniques and the glazes all express each artist’s creative mindset and present unique works of art.
The Shiho Togei studio, located in Nishi Ogikubo, is a small and welcoming place for students to learn about pottery – in fact, their diverse range of students include an elementary-school pupil, and they are accommodating to non-Japanese speakers as well.
Starting this Friday, the studio is holding an exhibit and this year’s theme is “spouts”. The event is an annual show of ceramics presented by teachers and students of Shiho Ceramic Studio. The teachers Yoshiko Kuge and Yoshiichiro Kuge have more than 30 years experience, and many students have won ceramic awards. Amidst the students, design anthropologist and author of popular Tokyo eco-blog Tokyo Green Space Jared Braiterman will be presenting his collection of bonsai pots.
During this five-day exhibit, you can see and buy many styles of pottery at affordable prices. There are many cups, plates and bowls – all items that you can use everyday. Furthermore, if Nishi-Ogikubo is not your area, you can make a day trip out of it as it is a great neighborhood to explore for antique shops, cafes and unusual shops. The ceramics studio is located only 5 minutes away from the JR station, so it makes for a pretty convenient and peaceful afternoon, away from the hustle and bustle.
Shiho Ceramics Studio (Japanese)
When:
Nov. 23-27, 11:00-18:00
Where:
Gallery Hiko (see map)
Text by Vivian Morelli
