Mr. Masaya Shibayama of the Masaya Kiln, crafting traditional Tokoname ware matcha tea bowls.

a600IMG_3371 Mr. Masaya Shibayama is a renowned potter who once presented a flower vase to the Emperor of Japan. Aside from flower vases, his work is centered on tea ceremony utensils including matcha (powdered green tea) bowls.

While he mentioned that he cannot work for long periods of time anymore due to old age, he kneaded the clay forcefully, and gave us a demonstration on matcha tea bowl-making.



Adhering to traditional pottery-making methods and with a texture typical of Tokoname ware, he showed us matcha tea bowls that exuded strength in their simplicity.

a600IMG_3372

About tablin