The potter, Sonosuke Furukawa, runs a workshop/gallery - Kobo Dodo - at the western corner of Yuge Island overlooking the ocean. He studied one of Japan’s 6 major ancient potteries, Bizen ware in Okayama, then he returned to his hometown, Yuge Island, to open his business.
With no painting or glaze, simple Bizen ware is just fired, expressing the clay’s natural texture. Human hands control how crowded the dishes are put in a kiln and how much wood is fed for fire. And the natural force of fire is added to create an array of colors and patterns. Even when the shape is the same, no two dishes come out the same. They are all one of a kind. Furukawa wanted to make such alluring Bizen ware in Yuge, and he built his own climbing kiln.
In the clay-molding process, you can sit in the pleasant nature of the island and face the clay and yourself. Free from any distraction, just create your own ware. Different from other pottery, Bizen ware absorbs water, which changes the surface of the dish as you keep using it. You will grow to love it more over the years.
Why don’t you make your own dish as a memento of your trip? Even if you don’t have time to, look at Furukawa’s work in the gallery to see if you can recognize Japan's tradition and spirit.
Highlights
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Sit in the island’s marvelous nature and mold clay.
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Have the special time to look into yourself.
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Experience the charm of one of Japan’s 6 major ancient potteries, Bizen ware.
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Furukawa coaches you with care.
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See an array of Furukawa’s work.
