Peter Machek posted a very nice throwing demo of Tokoname Master Craftsman Hokujo (Genji Shimizu) throwing a teapot.
A photo gallery containing pictures from around his workshop.
And also take a look at the Tokoname Gallery which features his work as well as many other craftsmen.
And if you want even more of an insight into the creation of his work, check out this gallery. A very interesting thing is that some of his work is fired with seaweed to give the subtle and natural decoration.
I had a very hard time letting this yunomi go up for sale. However to fund further projects I have to let some of them go. Its hard to convey how the vessel feels in your hands, how it is thrown a little thicker to accommodate hot tea, how big it is, how heavy. A picture is worth a thousand words but holding it in person is the final answer. And even that is subjective.
I want the pieces that I create to fit the owner and to fulfill their purpose. I’m so glad this one went to a repeat customer in Australia. I’ve talked with him several times and we share some of the same tastes and ideas about pottery. He even sent pictures when it arrived. It truly makes my day when I get pictures back! If it is being used and enjoyed then I am on the right path with my work.
The Heart of Man is truly at home. I hope he discovers the “secret” to the name during its use. 🙂
I’m very happy with the test results. Tweaking these recipes in my cone 8 kiln so that I can get as close to possible before taking up precious room in the big gas fired cone 10 reduction kiln. All of these recipes are based on the Leach 40 – 30 – 20 – 10 recipe method which so far seems very stable. Getting the specific gravity dialed in is important.
FireCrown Pottery 