Japanese Pottery & Tea Culture

Catalog description

This studio art course introduces students to the Japanese philosophy and techniques used in pottery making from the perspective of Japanese tea culture, and its evolution from the ancient rituals of the tea ceremony and Zen Buddhist philosophy. Students will use traditional Japanese forming techniques, glazes, and kiln firing practices to create pottery forms derived from the Japanese tea ceremony and Zen aesthetics. At the culmination of this course, students will create a body of work and be able to describe and discuss in depth the cultural context and distinctive features that gave rise to the uniquely Japanese tea ceremony pottery forms and practices. Classes consist of technical demonstrations, lectures, discussions on assigned readings, practice time, critiques, and a group participation at a Japanese tea ceremony at Shofuso. All are welcome.