I returned from Japan just over a month ago and have been enjoying some of the pots which I bought when I was there.
I bought these two bowls by Yoshihisa Okamoto in Mashiko. I like his work very much. The decoration is so simple and they are lovely to use for things like a small salad.
I was given this beautiful bowl by Ken Matsuzaki who was also very generous with his time and knowledge when I visited his workshop. He took me to visit his brother who makes lacquerware. He gave me a chunky little sake cup in lacquerware. He explained the advantage over a ceramic sake cup is that when you get very drunk and drop it, it doesn’t break. The colour is wonderful and it feels good to hold. I look forward to getting some sake to try it out.
When I was in Kyushu, I spent some time with Masahiro Kumagae, who exhibited in England last summer. I like his new work very much. This is a yunomi (japanese tea cup) with his new glaze. It is good in the hand and shows his very fluid throwing style.
Now I have to make more pots for food, inspired by all the wonderful meals I had in Japan.
It is always good to experience the respect they have for hand-made pots in cafes and restaurants as well as in people’s homes. Hand-made pots definitely increase the joy of eating.
