In November 2024, I had the opportunity to learn pottery skills under the guidance of Hiroshige Kato-sensei in Seto, Aichi, Japan. It is a period of time I look fondly back on as a pivotal catalyst in growth of skill and appreciation.
Hiroshige-sensei’s 40 years of craftsmanship influenced my understanding on the discipline of repetition, the art of letting go, and his core principles to be procificient in the craft of pottery: mastering clay, fire and technique. This experience was enriched by the deep connections formed; with Sensei, fellow students, studio staff, the curious townspeople, and the very land itself.
In our first few days at Sensei’s studio to gauge our skills, Sensei enlisted us on a mission to throw 10 identical tea cups (湯のみ). A simple and humble form that holds the foundational skills to produce more complex shapes. Outside of my comfort zone I felt intimidated – have I signed up for more than I can handle? My first few attempts were conistently incosistent. Unimpressed, Sensei encouraged me to start over from scratch and instructed me on how to throw in a clockwise motion (as opposed to the counter-clockwise direction I was used to back in Australia). Sensei’s hands guided my own; my left hand applying pressure and pulling up the clay whilst my right was supporting it. After grasping the concept of clay – I was soon able to complete Sensei’s mission. Following the challenge, Sensei continued to teach us more forms; rice bowls (丼), bottleneck vases (瓶), lidded vessels (蓋物), tea bowls (茶碗) and finally combining all these techniques to produce a single handed teapot (急須).
In addition to these core forms, Sensei shared his wealth of knowledge on how to truly master the craft. We learned to make our own pottery tools, creating a tombo (トンボ or “dragonfly,” named for its shape) from the bamboo in his garden. This tool is used to measure and ensure the consistency of your pieces. We also learned to carve tools from metal scraps and hand-build with feldspar to create a beautifully rough, textured surface. These lessons went beyond just throwing on the wheel; they taught us the true breadth of a potter’s skill.
But the learning wasn’t limited to the studio. Outside its walls, I immersed myself in the rich culture of Seto. I felt like a kid in a candy store at Sensei’s favorite pottery tool shop, and I deepened my knowledge of Japanese ceramics at the Setogura Museum. We also ventured to the Mino Ceramic Art Museum for the International Ceramics Festival. It was incredibly inspiring to see so many skilled ceramic artists pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with clay. On another occasion, Sensei hosted the annual pottery matsuri, a festival where studios across town open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to see the artists at work and buy their pieces directly.
These excursions weren’t just about pottery, they were about the culture that surrounds the craft. We had the chance to attend a traditional ceremony hosted by one of Sensei’s neighbors, where we learned about the importance of hospitality and how different tea bowls are associated with each season. During an afternoon tea, Sensei also shared a beautiful piece of insight: that tea bowls are often signed on the side, rather than the bottom. This is so that after drinking your tea, you can turn the bowl to appreciate the handiwork and see the artist’s signature as you sip. These moments truly brought the artistry to life, showing me that pottery is more than just an object; it’s a reflection of history, culture, and deep respect for the craft.
My time in Seto was more than a learning experience; it was an ardent journey of personal growth. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity. I found myself becoming more disciplined, constantly striving to learn something new each day. This was a journey shared with fellow students who, like me, were inquisitive and eager to learn. It felt bittersweet as our short 30-day stay came to an end. I feel like I’ve grown exponentially since day one, and I’ll carry these lessons and memories with me for a long time.
The pieces within this collection are reflections of this month-long voyage in embodying new skills and a profound reverence for the fragile earth that provides the clay. All pieces are available for purchase unless stated “sold”. For purchases and enquiries, please contact me via email at hthng.eden@gmail.com
Oribe-glazed Stoneware Teacup (湯のみ), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze
85 x 85 x 85mm, 200g
SOLD
Shino-glazed Stoneware Teacup (湯のみ), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Shino Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
90 x 90 x 95mm, 250g
$155 AUD
Shino-glazed Stoneware Teacup (湯のみ), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Shino Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
85 x 85 x 85mm, 240g
$155 AUD
Setoguro-glazed Stoneware Rice Bowls (丼), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Setoguro Glaze
Bowl 01:
120 x 120 x 70mm, 245g
$175 AUD
Bowl 02:
120 x 120 x 60mm, 210g
$175 AUD
Bowl 03:
120 x 120 x 60mm, 205g
$175 AUD
Petal Shaped Setoguro-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Setoguro Glaze
105 x 105 x 55mm, 140g
SOLD
Tenmoku-glazed Low Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Tenmoku Glaze
155 x 155 x 50mm, 325g
$185 AUD
Oribe-glazed Low Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
180 x 180 x 55mm, 415g
$225 AUD
Oribe-glazed Low Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
210 x 210 x 55mm, 510g
$245 AUD
Tenmoku-glazed Stoneware Lidded Vessel (蓋物), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Tenmoku Glaze
105 x 105 x 90mm, 325g
$225 AUD
Tenmoku-glazed Stoneware Lidded Vessel (蓋物), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Tenmoku Glaze
120 x 120 x 90mm, 345g
$225 AUD
Tenmoku-glazed Stoneware Lidded Vessel (蓋物), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Tenmoku Glaze
100 x 100 x 85mm, 315g
$225 AUD
Ofuke-glazed Stoneware Bud Vase, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Ofuke Glaze
80 x 80 x 130mm, 260g
$185 AUD
Ofuke-glazed Stoneware Bud Vase, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Ofuke Glaze
75 x 75 x 110mm, 225g
$185 AUD
Ofuke-glazed Stoneware Bud Vase, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Ofuke Glaze
80 x 80 x 105mm, 180g
$185 AUD
Bud Vase Set
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Sake Set, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
Sake Bottle:
70 x 70 x 105mm, 175g
Sake Cups:
70 x 70 x 55mm, 100g
SOLD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Sake Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
65 x 65 x 55mm, 90g
$95 AUD
Oribe-glazed Stoneware Sake Set, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze with Iron Oxide Detail
Sake Bottle:
80 x 80 x 110mm, 190g
Sake Cups:
70 x 70 x 55mm, 100g
SOLD
Handbuilt Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
90 x 90 x 65mm, 175g
$125 AUD
Handbuilt Wood ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
130 x 130 x 70mm, 345g
$185 AUD
Handbuilt Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Tea Bowl (茶碗), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
110 x 110 x 80mm, 365g
SOLD
Oribe-glazed Stoneware Rice Bowl (丼), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
150 x 150 x 75mm, 300g
SOLD
Ofuke-glazed Stoneware Rice Bowl (丼), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Ofuke Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
130 x 130 x 60mm, 270g
SOLD
Shino-glazed Stoneware Rice Bowl (丼), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Shino Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
160 x 160 x 70mm, 265g
$175 AUD
Tenmoku-glazed Stoneware Tea Bowl (茶碗), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Tenmoku Glaze
120 x 120 x 75mm, 275g
$185 AUD
Kiseto-glazed Stoneware Lidded Vessel (蓋物), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Kiseto Glaze
80 x 80 x 55mm, 210g
$245 AUD
Setoguro-glazed Stoneware Lidded Vessel (蓋物), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Setoguro Glaze
100 x 100 x 80mm, 175g
$275 AUD
Oribe-glazed Stoneware Lidded Vessel (蓋物), 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze
85 x 85 x 80mm, 200g
SOLD
Shino-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Shino Glaze
85 x 85 x 65mm, 150g
$85 AUD
Kiseto-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Kiseto Glaze
85 x 85 x 65mm, 145g
$85 AUD
Setoguro-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Setoguro Glaze
90 x 90 x 65mm, 115g
$85 AUD
Shino-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Shino Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
90 x 90 x 60mm, 140g
$85 AUD
Oribe-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Oribe Glaze
85 x 85 x 60mm, 135g
$85 AUD
Ofuke-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Ofuke Glaze
90 x 90 x 60mm, 130g
$85 AUD
Ofuke-glazed Stoneware Cup, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Ofuke Glaze with Iron Oxide Details
90 x 90 x 60mm, 130g
$85 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Dish, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
105 x 105 x 20mm, 95g
$125 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
160 x 160 x 50mm, 330g
$225 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
150 x 150 x 40mm, 225g
$225 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
150 x 150 x 45mm, 240g
$225 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
150 x 150 x 45mm, 205g
$225 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
150 x 150 x 40mm, 210g
$225 AUD
Wood Ash-glazed Stoneware Bowl, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Wood Ash Glaze
120 x 120 x 40mm, 115g
SOLD
Kiseto-glazed Gourd Stoneware Vase, 2024
Seto, Aichi Region Stoneware, Kiseto Glaze
90 x 90 x 95mm, 215g
$215 AUD
All pieces are available for purchase unless stated ‘sold’. For purchases and enquiries, please contact me via email at hthng.eden@gmail.com
