Chawan Masterclass

Learn the art of creating a traditional Japanese Chawan, exploring handbuilding techniques, Kuriniki carving, and optional wheel-throwing methods.

23 Januari and 7 Februari 2025

In this masterclass, Els Janssens and Eva Deroost (Clay & Yarrow) will guide you through creating your own Chawan (traditional Japanese tea bowl for Matcha). We will explore different techniques within handbuilding and explore the Japanese tradition of Kuriniki. Kuriniki, meaning ‘hollowing’ or ‘carving out’ honors the uniqueness of each piece created and is often described as one of the most meditative ways of working with clay. There will also be the possibility to explore making a Chawan on the pottery wheel.

Els Janssens is an artist and has been making Chawans for about 35 years. She has had expositions with her Chawans in South-Korea, Japan, Taiwan, USA and Europe. She will explain to us the art of making a Chawan and its very long history and tradition.

“ The way of the tea takes me along worldly paths. Every trip creates new images in my head. A new language, breathing the inspiring air. I move between heaven and earth in quiet modesty. A good Chawan is special and unique, radiating balance, simplicity and modesty between the spontaneity and dynamism of the maker.”

Els Janssens

On the second day of the masterclass, once the pieces are dried and turned into bisque pottery, we will glaze our Chawans with traditional oriental glazes specifically used in the Japanese tradition of making pottery. We will give an introduction to the glazes we are using and show different techniques of applying. In the studio of Clay & Yarrow we use an electric kiln. Els has extensive experience using a gas kiln and wood fired kiln, so questions regarding this way of firing pottery can be brought to the masterclass.

Dates:

  • January 23rd: 18:00-21:00

  • February 6th: 18:00-19:30

Price:

  • €200 (includes two finished glazed Chawans)

  • Additional creations: €15 per kilo (to be weighed after glaze firing)

What’s Included:

  • Traditional handbuilding techniques

  • Introduction to Kuriniki (hollowing/carving)

  • Wheel-thrown Chawan option

  • Glazing with oriental glazes

  • Bisque and glaze firing

  • Drinks and snacks

In the end of February (date to be announced later), tea master Staf Daems is hosting a Matcha tea ceremony in the studio of Clay & Yarrow. You will be able to use your own Chawan during the ceremony. The tea ceremony is to pay separate from the Chawan masterclass, but people that have followed the workshop will be offered a discount to participate.

This workshop is open and suitable for all levels. No prior experience of working with clay is necessary.

To reserve your spot, please send me an email to atelier@clayyarrow.com

We hope to welcome you in the studio by the fire.