Monday, April 28, 2014

Spouted Bowls by Kazu Oba


" Katakuchi " is a spouted bowl, it is often used to pour Sake or dressing like Ponzu sauce.
Some times you can serve food as a regular bowl, or you can arrange flowers.
It is very common in Japan that people find other ways to use the pottery, it brings you a little enjoyment in the ordinary life.
Especially "Katakuchi" has comical shape, it always becomes the best supporting role on the table.
Please take a look "Katakuchi" by Kazu Oba, we have beautiful selections.

It looks like smiling mark, this is Kazu's signature.
One of Kanji character "仁” from his name Kazuhito "一仁" is simplified and became a happy face.


 
 












Thursday, April 24, 2014

Gen Saratani Kintsugi Class -The way of Japanese Ceramic Restoration-

 

Lacquer artist, Gen Saratani, has started "Kintsugi Class"(Japanese ceramic restoration class).
If you are interested in, take a look the information and contact to kintsugi_class@icloud.com.
It must be a precious experience!



Kintsugi Class
- The way of Japanese ceramic restoration -
  
Teacher
Gen Saratani / Japanese Lacquer Restorer and Artist

Class Description

  • Level : Beginner
  • Size : minimum 3 to maximum 5 students
We will study how to restore damaged ceramics with traditional Japanese techniques that use Japanese lacquer (Urushi) and real gold. For the beginner’s class, students will start with a small chipped, cracked or scratched ceramic piece. In 3 or 4 classes, your work will be completed.

Schedule

  • Wednesday classes from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
  • Saturday classes from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Enrollment
kintsugi_class@icloud.com
Please send an E-mail to this address with your information. (which class you want, your name, address and phone number)

Place
Globus Chashitsu Keisuian「憩翠庵」
  - 3min. walk from Union Square
  - 5min. walk from Madison Square Park

Price
$150 (includes all materials required for your completed project)
  -If the restoration area is large, you will be charged an additional fee for the gold (at market price).

What to Bring
Ceramic piece with small chip, crack or scratch

Dress Code
Long sleeves (there is a possibility you will get dirty)
  -We provide gloves and arm covers. If you have something to cover your arms, please bring them.

Notice

  • We use real Japanese lacquer (Urushi) and pure gold in order to get the authentic experience.
  • In some cases, it is possible to develop a rash if the lacquer comes in direct contact with your skin. We provide groves and guidance for properly handling the lacquer. (Please read below, “Why can Urushi cause a rash?” )
  • If the lacquer gets on your clothes, it cannot be removed.  It does not come out even if you wash it. We strongly recommend that you cover your arms and legs and to wear a long sleeve shirt that can become dirty.
  • Please be sure to arrive on time.  The lesson will begin promptly at the beginning of each class.

“Why can Urushi cause a rash?”
Urushi (Japanese lacquer) comes from a plant that is related to poison ivy. Urushi, in its liquid form, can cause an allergic rash and dermatitis when it comes in direct contact with your skin. The occurrence of Urushi rash is more likely if you also have an allergic reaction to mango. Fully dried Urushi cannot cause a rash.  The rash normally appears 24 hours after contact and clears up within 2 weeks. Symptoms include itching and blistering.  The duration of the rash and severity depends on the person’s level of immunity.  Do not scratch the rash in order to prevent any scarring. Because Urushi is not commonly used in the United States, we do not suggest using any creams or medicines to treat the Urushi rash as long as the rash area is controlled and does not significantly worsen. Using medicines may cause further discomfort or exacerbate the rash.

General Disclaimer

  • We are not responsible for the Urushi rash, dirty clothes, and any injury or accident in the facilities.
  • We will store the ceramics for the duration of the class, but are not be liable in case of a theft, fire, or other emergency on the premise.
  • No refunds except when lessons cannot be held. 
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After
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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Eiko Tanaka in on Japanese TV program "Au eno Tobira" on Discovery Channel

http://www.athome.co.jp/tobira/56/

Eiko Tanaka has had an interview for Japanese TV program called "Asu eno Tobira(明日への扉)” on Discovery channel.
You can check the video from HERE.
This TV program will be on air in the international ANA airline (All Nippon Airways).
Although it is played in Japanese, you will be able to see how she works.

Lacquer Cups and Bowl by Eiko Tanaka


New arrivals from Eiko Tanaka, who is a skillful wood-turner and a lacquer artist.
We got sake cups, small dishes and small bowls for this time.
Beautiful wood grain is showed up through the lacquer.
Please come and take a look, the pieces are limited.


Bowl - Spalted Wood
φ5"3/4 x H4"

Soup Bowls - Spalted Wood
φ4" x H3"

Hinoki Sake Cups
φ2"3/4 x H2"

Hinoki Sake Cups
φ2"3/4 x H2"


Sake Cups -Spalted Wood
φ2"3/4 x H2"


Sake Cups -Spalted Wood
φ2"3/4 x H2"

Small Dish - Spalted Wood
φ3"5/8 x H1/2"

Small Bowl
φ 3"1/2 x H 2"1/2

Monday, April 21, 2014

Malcolm Wright Exhibition 5/16 Fri.-18 Sun. "Transformations into Bronze"


Malcolm Wright
- Transformations into Bronze -
May 16th Fri. - 18th Sun.
Artist Reception, May 16th 6 pm - 8 pm

We are pleased to announce that Sara Japanese Pottery will present the forth in a series of event to celebrate our 25th years anniversary.
This exhibition will feature the one of our significant artists, Malcolm Wright.


To describe Malcolm Wright.  We have known each other for nearly 20 years.  At his home in Marlboro, a town near Brattleboro in southern Vermont, is his studio, a climbing kiln, his house, and a gallery space, an extension he built several years ago.  He and his wife have a collection of modern furniture, ceramic artwork from friends, as well as his own artwork on display.
"When you become my age, it's normal for people start getting rid of their collection.  For us, our collection keeps getting bigger and bigger."  He told me once laughing.  This year, Malcolm turns 75 years old.  As a karatsu style potter, Malcolm is certainly among the principle artists in the history of American ceramic arts.

Born in Minnesota, he went to Japan in 1968 to apprentice under karatsu master and living national treasure, Tarouemon Nakazato, the 12th (Muan).  During this time, Malcolm worked together with and became heavily influenced by his fifth son, Takashi Nakazato.  In 1970, Malcolm returned to the U.S. and built a home and kiln in Vermont.

He continues his work in the style of karatsu, but in fact Malcolm is a sculptor with a certain characteristic sense.  His recent works are sculptures that are also his own personal projects.  In fact, he spoke of recently working on large acrylic sculptures.

Once looking out from his window I could see clearly three tall and narrow rocks sticking up out of the ground.  "Malcolm, what is that?" I asked. "They're rocks," he simply replied and laughed.  Now exposed to the rain and wind, moss has covered the rocks creating a beautiful surface.  To me, this is also one of his artworks.

Malcolm’s sculptures skillfully enmesh clay pieces that he puts through an extruder.  He shapes and sculpts the clay, showcasing Malcolm’s unique characteristic style.  As the process continues, he told me that it has became more complex that even he struggles to understand its meaning.

This show will focus on his bronze transformations, as well as some of the original clay forms. Of the bronze models on display, some will be at the original scale, and some will be enlarged at double the scale.  Please come and see the similarities and differences between the two materials.

Come and see the "present" Malcolm Wright at our show.



* Open Hour *
May 16th, Fri.  10 am - 8 pm   Opening Reception  6pm - 8pm
May 17th, Sat. 12 pm - 6 pm
May 18th, Sun. 12 pm - 6 pm

Saturday, April 19, 2014

New Arrival from Shumpei Yamaki : from Sara Japanese Pottery


As spring has finally arrived, Shumpei started firing for this year.
The spouted bowls have arrived in two shades of white. These are new forms by Shumpei.
Come and take a look, they are perfect for serving sake or sauces and dressing.
 
Rice Bowls φ6" x H3"


Bowl with Lid
φ5"1/2 x H4"

Mug Cups
φ3"1/2 x H 4"

Tall Cups φ3"1/4〜4"1/4 x H3"1/2〜5"

Sake Bottles
φ 4"1/4 x H 6"1/2
 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thank you for coming to Tommy's Photographs Exhibition


Thank you for coming to Tommy Yoshizawa "Jazz Photographs in 70's - 80's".
We hope everyone enjoyed  different atmosphere with Tommy's keen photographs.
We still have his photographs at Sara, and it is always available to show you them at Sara or Sara Home.
Let us know anytime if you have any favorite musicians.

Sincerely,







 Tommy Yoshizawa
65 year old,Tommy has a slender frame, upturned eyes, and, for whatever reason, has always been popular among women.
In 1972, he came to New Jersey as an employee of Tokyo Kougaku. Tommy, a fan of jazz music, started frequenting small clubs and taking photos where other musicians gathered and performed.

While the musicians are playing they fall in a trance.  It is that instant that he wants to capture.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

TOMORROW Tommy Yoshizawa Jazz Photographs in 70's-80's

We are pleased to announce that Sara Japanese Pottery will present the third in a series of event to celebrate our 25th years anniversary.
This exhibition will feature the photographer, Tommy Yoshizawa.

Please come and join us for the artist reception TOMORROW 6 pm - 8 pm.
The artist will be happy to tell you the story behind the photographs.

* Open Hour *
April 11th, Fri.  10 am - 8 pm   Artist Reception  6pm - 8pm
April 12th, Sat. 12 pm - 6 pm
April 13th, Sun. Closed

April 14th, Fri.  10 am - 7 pm
April 15th, Fri.  10 am - 7 pm



This year Tommy is 65 year old, already one of my very long friends.
He has a slender frame, upturned eyes, and, for whatever reason, has always been popular among women.
In 1972, he came to New Jersey as an employee of Tokyo Kougaku and as a huge fan of jazz music.  At the time, John Coltrane had already passed away from this world. Tommy, a fan of jazz music, started frequenting small clubs and taking photos where other musicians gathered and performed.

When the New York Times wrote about a show at Slug's Saloon, Lee Morgan’s first show out of jail, Tommy quickly got his hands on tickets. He arrived early to the show and by chance the waitress from the Village Gate who knew Tommy was working that night at Slag Saloon. She recognized Tommy and sat him at the very front.

"I'm sure she had good intentions seating me in the very front, but the seats were too close.  It was no good.  The seats were too close and I couldn't take any photos.  So, I figured I'd come back tomorrow and take them.  I had tickets for the next day's show too."

That night he watched only the first set and went home without taking any photos. And that night, during a break on stage, Lee Morgan was shot and killed by his de facto wife.

"I couldn't do it.  Even though I had the chance, I couldn't take the picture."

Although this is how Tommy articulates that event, there in front of him is the picture.
While the musicians are playing they fall in a trance.  It is that instant that he wants to capture.
Once Miles Davis turned to Tommy and called to him, "Take my picture."  Miles posed for the shot and Tommy answered, "No," and did not press the shutter.

This is an exhibition of original prints by Tommy Yoshizawa, the photographer who does not press the shutter. They are the photos he took and the photos he developed.
An exhibition I would very much love for you all to see.