Since the northern part of Anan town called Tomikusa was seabed several thousand years ago, many fossils have been collected, including Megalodon in whose opened mouth an adult can stand without leaning forward. Incidentally, Megalodon is the ancestor of the Great white shark, the model of the famous movie character “Jaws“.
Thus the soil of this area is characteristic and the features of the pottery using the clay produced here called Anan-yaki lies in its rich and sophisticated colour.
In order to enjoy its original colour, several layers of clay are multiply blended together in the Anan pottery center. In addition, the glaze that covers the surface of the pottery is original and enhances its uniqueness. Finally, we cannot forget the fact that Anan pottery center has climbing kilns, which enables us to produce wood-fired pottery with unique colors.
Let’s experience
In the Anan pottery center, three types of pottery activity are prepared: Electric potter’s wheel forming (電動ロクロ), Hand-forming (手びねり) and Color Chara (カラキャラ).
Of course, you can try all of them.
Electric potter’s wheel forming (電動ロクロ)
Let’s make authentic pottery using an electric potter’s wheel.
This is a must-try experience. Don’t worry if you are a beginner. You can have fun with careful instruction.The distinctive sense of touching the wet clay on the wheel is unforgettable. You can freely turn round pottery into curved pieces, or create one-sided cups.
Hand-forming (手びねり)
Let’s create bowls, pots, flower vases, etc. by your own hands, following your inspiration. You can create two to three pieces from one ball of clay.
You will experience both the joy and difficulty of touching and shaping the clay, and learn about traditional Japanese culture.
Color Chara (カラキャラ）
Let’s complete a lantern by adding your favourite color on the surface.
First, you choose your favourite character.
Next, you decide the colors and the place to put them on.
Based on your image, let’s start painting. You can also use a coat of lame to make the lantern sparkle.
When the paint dries, place a candle set inside to make it a lantern. The lantern will glow gently and bring back memories of Japan.
Souvenir
After the pottery making activities (陶芸), you will be invited to the place where finished works created by artists are displayed.
Of course, all of them are 100% hand made.
Don’t hesitate to touch them. Feel the warmth of the hand made pottery works and choose the one which calls you most. It will become the best souvenir of your pottery making experience (陶芸).
If you are interested in this activity, don’t hesitate to contact us.
