Masterclass | Ken Matsuzaki | Throwing Chawan
While photographing the Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki for the Goldmark Gallery 2007 monograph, Jay Goldmark was invited to film Matsuzaki in his studio at his kick wheel throwing Chawan (Teabowls) ‘off the hump’ (from a large, single mound of clay). This is rare footage of one of Japan’s internationally respected potters at work.
Fire, Wood and Clay: What’s in an Aesthetic?
There can be no denying it: there’s something about wood-firing that produces special pots. But what is it about the wood-fired aesthetic (if there even is one) that captivates? Where does our appreciation for it begin? And, perhaps most important of all: is it still relevant today? Is the wood-fired aesthetic right for our age? […]
The Art of Ikebana with Rie Day
Join Ikebana teacher Rie Day as she works preparing Ken Matsuzki pots for the opening of a major exhibition. She demonstrates Free Style, one of the most recent styles to emerge from Ikenobo School in Kyoto, in conjunction with contemporary environments and tastes.Though there are naturalistic and abstract styles, both use plants in new ways, […]
Trimmings | A Brief History: ‘Tomobako’ Japanese Boxes
In Japan ceramic pots are stored in signed wooden boxes, known as ‘Tomobako’, both for their protection and to display the provenance of the maker. Presented by British potter Phil Rogers and writer/art critic David Whiting, this video contains archive footage of Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki signing boxes at his pottery in Japan as well […]
Inspire Me | Ken Matsuzaki | Part 3
In this third and final film Ken Matsuzaki looks to the future. He explains how the impact of the Tohoku earthquake on Mashiko and its potters triggered a desire in him to support the young potting community. Innovation and originality, he believes, are key objectives for the young craftsman and cultural exchange can foster this. […]
Inspire Me | Ken Matsuzaki | Part 2
Ken Matsuzaki resumes the conversation recollecting his early career after his apprenticeship. In this fascinating monologue he discusses his journey towards developing his own unique voice and the importance of embracing failure in order to create.
Inspire Me | Ken Matsuzaki | Part 1
Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki looks back at his early influences and what sparked his interest in clay. He talks about his apprenticeship with Living National Treasure Tatsuzō Shimaoka and the unusual part that shiatsu massage played in his training.
In Focus | Mashiko: The Pottery Town of Japan
Lying some 60 miles north of the swarming metropolis of Tokyo, the pottery town of Mashiko rests beneath the shallow slopes of Mt Takadate.
In Focus | A Brief History of Modern Japanese Ceramics
For Japan, the history of ceramics is the history of its belief systems, its cultural values – to a greater or lesser extent, it is the history of its people.
Making | Japanese Potter Ken Matsuzaki Throwing Chawans
In 2007 we first visited the Mashiko studio of internationally renowned Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki to film the master at work.
Events | Ken Matsuzaki Ceramics Exhibition | 8/6/13
In June 2013 we held our fourth exhibition of work by Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki, one of the world’s leaders in ceramics.