A doorway into the depth and poetry of Japanese craft, led by one of Bizen’s contemporary masters.
Join us for a unique two-day masterclass in Denmark with third-generation Bizen potter Taiga Mori. This immersive experience combines traditional Japanese hand-building techniques with the cultural and historical richness of the tea ceremony.
Dates: 23.-24. of August
Location: LerKalaset, Ry, Denmark
Duration: 2 days
Teaching hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days (including 1-hour lunch break)
Format: Hand-building only (no wheel), suitable for all levels
Includes: Clay, firing and glazing of one chawan, japanese bamboo whisk for tea, coffee/tea/snacks, a Japanese-inspired lunch on both days
Firing: The masterclass will offer two firing options; gas reduction kiln and electric kiln. One chawan firing is included in the masterclass enrollment fee. Participants will also have the opportunity to fire additional pieces by paying a kiln and glazing service fee.
Number of masterclass enrollments: 15
Masterclass enrollment fee: DKK 4275 (569 €)
This special two-day masterclass offers a rare opportunity to dive into the rich tradition of Japanese tea ceramics through the making of chawans — tea bowls used in the centuries-old ritual of the tea ceremony.
Guided by renowned Bizen potter Taiga Mori (Taiga-san), you will learn to hand-build chawans using techniques rooted in Bizen's clay traditions. Bizen ware is one of Japan’s oldest and most important ceramic styles. Characterized by its earthy, unglazed surfaces and wood-fired finish, Bizen pottery reflects a deep respect for natural materials, imperfection and the beauty of flame and ash.
The practice is deeply connected to the philosophy of wabi-sabi — embracing simplicity, impermanence and the quiet beauty of natural flaws. This aesthetic infuses every part of the process, from the forming of the clay to the ritual of drinking tea.
Each element of the chawan — its curve, foot, lip, interior and even the placement of the maker’s mark — has a purpose. Every shape and proportion is intentional, reflecting a philosophy where beauty emerges from function and ritual.
Alongside the making, Taiga-san will share the cultural context of Bizen ceramics and explain the firing process that gives Bizen ware its distinctive character. We will explore the historical and spiritual significance of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture, examining how these bowls connect people to nature, tradition, and mindfulness.
Depending on the pace and interest of the group, there may be time to explore other traditional forms like yunomi cups, sake cups or Bizen-style bottles.
Day 1: Introduction & Chawan Making
Morning:
Welcome and introductions
Overview of Bizen ceramics and Japanese ceramic tradition
Explanation of wabi-sabi: its meaning, origins and role in Japanese aesthetics and tea ceramics
History of the tea ceremony and classical chawan forms: function, design and meaning
Afternoon:
Hands-on hand-building: participants begin making their own chawans with close guidance from Taiga
Day 2: Finishing & Tea Ceremony
Morning:
Shaping and refining the chawan
Attaching and shaping the foot (following Bizen tradition)
Balancing aesthetics and use
Afternoon:
Matcha tea ceremony experience with traditional sweets
Cultural talk and discussion on the symbolism and significance of the ceremony
The master class teachers and coordinators
Taiga Mori is a third-generation ceramic artist from Bizen, Japan, blending centuries-old pottery traditions with modern innovations. As a community leader, Taiga-san promotes collaboration and openness, redefining the future of Bizen ceramics through international exchanges and creative partnerships. @taiga_mori
Magali Kivatinetz is a ceramic artist whose work draws inspiration from Japanese philosophies like Mingei and kintsugi. She collaborates with restaurants and individuals to create functional and aesthetically balanced pieces, embracing the beauty of natural materials and the transformative power of wood firing. @mkpotterystudio
Marie Fuglsbjerg Zand is a ceramic artist and founder of LerKalaset, a community pottery studio in Ry, Denmark. With a background in education and ceramic arts, she creates spaces where people of all levels can explore clay’s creative potential. Through teaching and community building, Marie celebrates the joy of making and the connections that grow through shared craft. @lerkalaset
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