The northern part of Anan town called Tomikusa used to be seabed several thousand years ago. Therefore, many fossils have been collected including Megalodon whose body length is as long as 15m, which means an adult can fit in the opened mouth. Interestingly, it 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 pottery using the clay produced here has been popular (Anan pottery). The features of Anan pottery lies in its rich and sophisticated colour.
Unfortunately, it is technically difficult for beginners to handle the clay directly collected from the earth. But firstly, in order to enjoy the colour of original Anan pottery, several layers of clay are multiply blended together.
Secondly, the glaze that covers the surface of the pottery is original to Anan, enhancing its uniqueness.
Finally, Anan town has climbing kilns, which enables to produce wood-fired pottery with unique colors.
Let’s experience
Three types of poetry activity are prepared: Hand-forming (手捏ね), Electric potter’s wheel forming (ろくろ) and Color Chara (カラキャラ）
Of course, you can try all of them.
Hand-forming (手捏ね)
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.
Choose your favourite colour of glaze from 6 samples.
After finishing, glazing, and two firings, your work will be sent directly to your home. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Electric potter’s wheel forming (ろくろ)
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. The pieces you create will surely become treasured pieces in your daily life.
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 you 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 light set inside to make it a lantern.
Souvenir
At the end of these two experience : Hand-forming (手捏ね) and Electric potter’s wheel forming (ろくろ), you will be invited to the place where finished works created by artists including Hiromichi Takenouchi, director of the Pottery Experience Center 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.
