First pottery experience at "Fujiwara Yakushiyama Shikogama" in InabeCity! Let's give shape to our creativity♪

Beautiful pottery ``Shiko Banko'' decorated using a technique called ``Shikou Banko''. This time, I participated in a pottery experience held at the pottery, Shikogama.
From Kuwana Interchange, drive north on National Route 365, and after a few minutes after passing InabeCity Tateta Elementary School, you will see a narrow slope between the trees on your left. As you go up there, you will find Shikogama, an elegant workshop surrounded by trees!
The entrance to the slope is in a position that is a little easy to overlook, so it might be a good idea to check the "Access" map on the website as you head towards it.

What caught my eye as soon as I entered were the works of Shinya Hayashi, the third generation of the store! It is a spectacular sight to see a variety of works lined up, from large objects such as vases and ornaments to small objects such as pottery.

The pottery is decorated with cute designs such as flowers and butterflies using the ``horisai'' technique, which involves carving the vessels according to the design and painting them with vivid colors.
When I thought of pottery vessels, I had an image of something simple or a little dull, but that image has been overturned!

There are so many variations in just the bowl pattern! The geometric design is very stylish. You can feel the unevenness of the picture carved on the smooth surface of the pottery, and it feels very nice to the touch♪

When you pick up the mug, it's so light and easy to hold that you wouldn't expect from its appearance! I was told that the works on display can be purchased, so I decided to buy a mug for myself as a souvenir♪

If you go to the back from the exhibition room, you will find a hands-on workshop. The workshop is spacious and looks like it would be fun to try it out in a group!
The experience is divided into a morning session and an afternoon session, and reservations are required. All necessary tools will be lent to you, so you don't need to bring anything special!
[Hand-making experience course (reservation required)]
Morning session 9:00-12:00 (1,500 yen per person + 1,000 yen clay fee/tax included)
Afternoon session 13:00-16:00 (1,500 yen per person + clay fee 1,000 yen/tax included)

There is no set topic for each experience, such as ``make this'', and each participant is free to make whatever they want. This is an example of the works created by past participants.
Students tell Mr. Hayashi what they want to make, such as plates, cups, and accessories, and create their work while receiving advice. The teacher will give you tips on how to actually make it, so don't hesitate to express your wishes and say, ``I think this might be difficult...''!

This time we will try making mugs! Clay can be used starting from 1kg. You don't have to use all of this clay.
Under Hayashi-sensei's guidance, we will first create the bottom of the vessel. I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses from here!

Stack the clay strings around the edges. It looks easy, but when you actually try it, it's surprisingly difficult to layer it straight. Be careful not to collapse!

Once you have finished stacking the strings, use a spatula to stroke the surface and glue the seams between the strings. As I progressed, I got used to it more and more, and my speed may have gotten a little faster.

If you can't get it right with a spatula, use your fingers to smooth out the seams. If you are not careful, the clay will spread horizontally, resulting in a bowl-shaped shape. Knead while adjusting the shape so that it is straight.

Trim the edges of the excess clay and shape it. I wasn't sure if I could cut this properly, so I left it to the teacher! The teacher holds the knife and spins it around on the potter's wheel, cutting in no time. If you're unsure whether you can do it well, you can get help like this, so even if you're clumsy, you don't have to worry.

This is the work of installing the handle. Roll up the clay string and use a spatula to attach it so it doesn't come off. Adding a handle makes it look much more like a mug!

The final touch is to add a pattern to the mug. Then, the teacher took out stones, pen lids, wood, etc. How can I make a pattern with this? As I was looking at the teacher, he put the corner of the tree against it and removed it... A cute triangular pattern is ready! I see, this is how you create patterns!

The final touch is to add a pattern to the mug. Then, the teacher took out stones, pen lids, wood, etc. How can I make a pattern with this? As I was looking at the teacher, he put the corner of the tree against it and removed it... A cute triangular pattern is ready! I see, this is how you create patterns!

This is the finished product! All that's left to do is wait for it to bake ♪ With the teacher's help, I was able to make it so beautifully even for the first time!
After coloring your work, you can have it shipped to you with cash on delivery. (Additional 1,000 yen required)
Alternatively, you can visit the workshop again at a later date and color it as you like. (In that case, a separate studio usage fee of 1,500 yen is required)

After the experience, we decided to take a tour of the workshop. This is the climbing kiln where the works are fired! It is divided into several kilns, and the kilns are used depending on the stage of firing.

In addition to his pottery activities, Mr. Hayashi is also focusing on promoting local culture. There is a Noh stage in the back of the workshop, and every year they hold events where you can enjoy performances of various musical instruments along with Noh performances, as well as other events related to pottery and climbing kilns.

At the back of the stage is a ceramic wall depicting Ssangyong. This is a repaired and restored work by Hayashi Sensei's grandfather, the first Shiko.
At first glance, it looks like a painting on the wall, but when you look closer, you will see that it is all carved and painted on ceramics. You will fall in love with the dynamic appearance of the dragon.

Lastly, I would like to share with you Mr. Shinya Hayashi who taught me about this experience. I was able to enjoy the experience while being made to feel at ease by the friendly personality of the teacher.
Mr. Hayashi, thank you for the fun time today!

It's fun to silently devote yourself to your work and create something!
Even though I had no knowledge of pottery, the teacher carefully assisted me from beginning to end, so I was able to participate in the experience with peace of mind.
I'm looking forward to seeing what color the mug will be. I have to think about what to put in my drink now!

[Fujiwara Yakushiyama Shikogama]
Address 1590 Furuta Yakushiyama, Fujiwara-cho, InabeCity
Phone number 0594-46-3734
Homepage http://www.shikou-gama.net
Access: Approximately 30 minutes from Kuwana IC on the Higashi-Meihan Expressway
Parking available *For details, please see "Access" on the website.

*Information as of March 2019. Prices and other information may have changed, so please check with your contact information before making your trip.