Workshop: form and packaging art inspired by Japanese rice bowls

On 12 December from 13:00 to 16:00, the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design holds a workshop, “Form and packaging art inspired by Japanese rice bowls”, as part of the public programme of the exhibition “Contemporary Japanese Design”.

Ceramics has a special place in Japanese culture. Each vessel of a different form has its name and a fixed purpose. Ceramics is linked to the wabi-sabi worldview, which values imperfection, simplicity and the transience of everything. Traces of the hand, asymmetry and the natural character of clay are treasured.

In the workshop, inspired by the traditional Japanese meshiwan rice bowl, we make a ceramic form meant for decorative use, and get to know the traditional art of packaging. Using origami we fold a box for the form, tie it closed in the traditional Japanese way with a band similar to flat woven sanada-himo ribbon, and wrap the box in a square of fabric using furoshiki, the Japanese way of wrapping and carrying objects.

In the workshop we use self-hardening clay, and the finished form is not suitable as a food vessel. We reuse as many materials as possible.

The workshop leaders, Katrin Lember and Kristiina Arula, graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts and have worked in various creative fields. Five years ago they became interested in studying ceramics. At the end of their studies the path led them to Japan, to the Mashiko Ceramics and Art Centre.

Working with a ceramics master in Mashiko, they learned to throw on a mechanical wooden potter’s wheel, the kerokuro, and got to know historic ceramic techniques and firing methods. Living and working among the local community, taking part in its everyday life and talking with local ceramists became a deeply philosophical experience that broadened their worldview.

Young people, adults and families are welcome.