WORKSHOP
A rare opportunity to learn in the heart of Mashiko
Join us for a 4-day hands-on pottery workshop in Mashiko—one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic villages and the home of Shoji Hamada.
This workshop will take place at Ken Matsuzaki’s beautiful studio and home, surrounded by nature. We’ve chosen this timing to coincide with cherry blossom season, one of the most magical times to experience Japan.
(Please note: cherry blossom timing varies slightly each year.)
What You’ll Experience
Daily demonstrations by Ken Matsuzaki and Akira Satake
Hands-on making with Mino or/and Shigaraki clay
(Mostry hand build, you can experience Kick wheel too.)
Exploration of traditional and contemporary techniques
Insight into wood firing, glazing, and surface development
(No firing during this workshop)
A deeply personal and inspiring studio environment
Potters of all levels are welcome
Workshop Fee: $1,285 USD
Includes daily bento lunch, Clay and Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art invitation
Accommodation and transportation not included
You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to the workshop location and for local accommodations during your stay.
If you have any questions about the Mashiko area (including Hotel and Transportation ) you’re welcome to contact Reiko Matsuzaki at reiko_matsuzaki@outlook.com
Yuushin Gama (遊心窯）
4090-2 Mashiko, Haga District, Tochigi 321-4217, Japan
Explore Mashiko
Mashiko is a historic pottery town known for its rich ceramic heritage, natural materials, and influential artists
During your stay, you can also visit:
Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art - All of our workshop participants are invited to visit with free admission!
Shoji Hamada Museum
Pottery tool shops and Mashiko Pottery Street (Jonaizaka area)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To cancel a workshop registration and receive a refund, notify us at 60days before the start date of your workshop. If we are given the required 60 days notice we will refund your payment, minus a $200 cancellation fee and a $100 nonrefundable processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 60 days of the start of the workshop.
Thank you for your interest! This workshop has sold out. Please join the waiting list and we’ll let you know when a space becomes available.
I will be leading a hands-on hand building and wheel throwing workshop sharing techniques I use when making my tea ceremony bowls, yunomi, sake vessels, tea pots, plates, ikebana vases, and sculptural objects. (The number of wheels is limited, but we can share!)
Participants will learn to create rich surfaces inspired by the natural world. Techniques will include:
1) Handbuilding Satake style stretched kohiki to make cups, teapots, etc., with a reed teapot handle demonstration.
2) "Kurinuki" technique to make a sculpture/vase, chawan, box, etc.
3) Using wheel and/or handbuilding: Adding Dobe mortar on the pieces to make yunomi, chawan, sake bottles, plates, etc. (We have a limited number of wheels available, but sharing should work just fine.)
I will also be sharing my experience and knowledge in a discussion of the Japanese aesthetic. I will also be sharing my experience and knowledge in a discussion of the Japanese aesthetic. Participants will gain insight in finding the beauty in imperfection, the meaning of "wabi-sabi," and the importance of "ma" -- the space in between.
Open to all levels of experience. No wheel throwing experience necessary.
Cost: $595 ($500 + material and lab fee $95)
January 16-18, 2027
9:00 am-3:00 pm
at Parker School Ceramics Studio
65-1224 Lindsey Road
Kamuela, HI 96743