Aizu-Hongo Porcelain ~To-Bo (craft atelier) Irori~ 2

This is a potter’s wheel, called “rokuro” in Japanese. 

Put clay on the wheel, rotate it till a fine cylindrical shape comes out. Using the pedal on the right, you can control the speed of its rotation. Mr. Baba handles the machine easily and smoothly, but it was much more difficult than I first imagined before I tried.

Soaking the hands in water, and subtly adjusting the power of both hands, you can change the shape of clay freely, flattening or straightening. Mr. Baba looks to be able to change the shape without difficulties, but he says “It took 3 months for me to master these skills”. Naturally, one-day experience for me is too short to master.

Mr. Baba makes each porcelain by hand. “The look of each porcelain varies by handmade,” he says. “Of course, I have the skill to make the same shape one after another by using a mould. But, it is not at all interesting, and for painting, either. When looking at a product, you can tell the difference of expression between handmade and molded ones.”

Porcelain making requires that you should concentrate all alone for hours and hours, in the mean time, you cannot make many at a time. What brings him joy?  “I’m very happy to see my customers come back asking for another piece of work. This makes me believe that my work is well accepted and used by them.” Mr. Baba so expresses his moment of joy.

“At first, when I just opened my own studio, I could not have confidence in my work because nobody came and bought. Eventually, I found out, however, that the most important thing is to pursue what I like in shape. Now, there is no hesitation or anxiety. I am happy that I can make a living, as well, out of it.”

Living in the era of mass production and mass consumption, handmade crafts refresh our senses. And for me, it was a precious time that I could sense the breathing of Japanese craftsmanship.

Written by Yabuuchi