Pots from Japan

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.