Workshop: Japanese Rice Bowl-Inspired Form and the Art of Packaging

On 12 December, from 13:00 to 16:00, the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design will host the workshop “Japanese Rice Bowl-Inspired Form and the Art of Packaging” as part of the public programme for the exhibition “Contemporary Japanese Design.”

Ceramics hold a special place in Japanese culture. Vessels of different forms have their own names and specific purposes. Ceramics are associated with the wabi-sabi worldview, which values imperfection, simplicity and the transience of all things. The traces of hands, asymmetry and the natural character of clay are valued.

In this Japan-inspired workshop, we will make a ceramic form inspired by the traditional Japanese meshiwan rice bowl. It is intended for decorative use. We will also explore traditional packaging art. Using origami techniques, we will fold a box for the form and tie it in the traditional Japanese way with a ribbon similar to the flat-woven sanada-himo cord. We will wrap the box in a square piece of fabric using furoshiki, the Japanese method of wrapping and carrying objects.

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

Workshop instructors Katrin Lember and Kristiina Arula are graduates of 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, they travelled to Japan, to the Mashiko Ceramic and Art Centre. While working with a master ceramicist in Mashiko, they learned to throw clay on a mechanical wooden potter’s wheel, or kerokuro, and became familiar with local historical ceramic techniques and firing methods. Living and working within the local community, taking part in its everyday life and connecting with local ceramicists became a deeply philosophical experience that broadened their outlook.

Young people, adults and families are welcome.