The Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum is a cultural facility built around ancient potter's kilns, Yoshidaya Climbing Kiln, and a workshop. The workshop is located in a 200-year-old craftsman's house that once served as a residence-cum-studio. Nowadays this building houses an atelier, an exhibition hall, and a shop where visitors can buy contemporary Kutani-yaki porcelain made by local artisans and artists.
Born in Kaga City, Mr. Shimada is an artist and the vice director of the Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum, who grew up in a family of Kutani-yaki makers. During his childhood, he thought he would become a Kutani-yaki maker himself, as his parents pushed him in this direction, but it was, in a way, not his own will. It was much later, when he entered at the Kanazawa College of Art, that his desire to become a Kutani-yaki artisan became obvious to him. It was during his studies that he came to understand that craftsmanship was much more than a simple combination of techniques, Kutani-yaki could be an artistic expression such as painting or sculpture. It was also at the College of Art that he had some pivotal encounters, in particular with KUZE Kenji (1945-2020) who became his master, and instilled in him the idea that one should always be curious and open to other arts. After graduating, he decided to leave and learn other ceramic techniques in another region for 5 years. Then he returned to his native region and started working in 1993.
He defines his work as a craftsman-artist as the work of a lifetime or, in the words of his master, the pursuit of a quest. Craftsmanship is more than just work; it is a true quest for one's inner self. The line between craft and art is often blurred, and it is difficult to give a simple definition. Kutani-yaki's porcelain is not just a simple object. The form of the object is in itself artistic, but it is not just a piece to be displayed, it also has a function. This combination of function and form makes the piece unique and beautiful. As a functional object, it is intended to be used on a daily basis. This daily use will have an effect on the object, the piece will naturally polish, wear and give way to other unique characteristics. On the other hand, there are also pieces that are exceptionally beautiful, and one of the craftsman's jobs is to add a function to them. It is really the combination of these two aspects, aesthetics and functionality, which highlights the quality and strength of Japanese craftsmanship.
Because of covid-19, Wheel throwing experience is temporarly close.
At the Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum, you can experience making your own Kutani-yaki. There are two types of experiences: wheel throwing and pottery painting.
The clay shaping is done on a kick wheel. You can choose between making a small plate or a bowl, and it is possible to make one or two pieces, depending on your wishes. The craftsman will guide you during the entire shaping process.
You can also learn how to decorate porcelain. Kutani-yaki porcelain is distinguished by its brightly coloured patterns. It is a matter of applying paint on top of a glazed and already fired piece. Once, the patterns are finished, the piece is placed in a kiln, and the temperature raise gradually to reach 800 degrees. The piece is cooked for 8 hours to fix the glazes. It is possible to receive it at home.
On tracing paper draw your own pattern or design, or choose one that you like among several.
Copy your pattern directly onto the porcelain support you have chosen, a small cup or a bowl.
Painting on porcelain required patience and calm. Kutani-yaki is distinguishable by its five colour decorative style (known as ‘go-sai’), using yellow, green, purple, dark blue, and red pigments.
You can make your own Kutani-yaki pottery and shape a small pot or a bowl using a traditional wooden potter’s wheel
Modeling is very pleasant. Here the clay is stretched upward to form the pot.
Under the guidance of a craftsman, you will be able to create a nice piece of ceramic.
