Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Sobe-Gama Tobo (Pottery) Dodo, Clay-Molding Experience

Surrounded by the magnificent nature, face at the clay and look into self.

3.95 1

Last update :

The potter, Sonosuke Furukawa, runs a workshop/gallery - Kobo Dodo - at the western corner of Yuge Island overlooking the ocean. He studied one of Japan’s 6 major ancient potteries, Bizen ware in Okayama, then he returned to his hometown, Yuge Island, to open his business.

With no painting or glaze, simple Bizen ware is just fired, expressing the clay’s natural texture. Human hands control how crowded the dishes are put in a kiln and how much wood is fed for fire. And the natural force of fire is added to create an array of colors and patterns. Even when the shape is the same, no two dishes come out the same. They are all one of a kind. Furukawa wanted to make such alluring Bizen ware in Yuge, and he built his own climbing kiln.

In the clay-molding process, you can sit in the pleasant nature of the island and face the clay and yourself. Free from any distraction, just create your own ware. Different from other pottery, Bizen ware absorbs water, which changes the surface of the dish as you keep using it. You will grow to love it more over the years.
Why don’t you make your own dish as a memento of your trip? Even if you don’t have time to, look at Furukawa’s work in the gallery to see if you can recognize Japan's tradition and spirit.

Highlights

  • Sit in the island’s marvelous nature and mold clay.
  • Have the special time to look into yourself.
  • Experience the charm of one of Japan’s 6 major ancient potteries, Bizen ware.
  • Furukawa coaches you with care.
  • See an array of Furukawa’s work.

Photos

  • Sobe-Gama (Kiln) on Yuge Island. You can have a hands-on experience at the workshop/gallery

    Sobe-Gama (Kiln) on Yuge Island. You can have a hands-on experience at the workshop/gallery

  • The owner, Sonosuke Furukawa, fell in love with Bizen ware that he became a pottery artist

    The owner, Sonosuke Furukawa, fell in love with Bizen ware that he became a pottery artist

  • While Bizen ware goes along with anything, no two items are the same

    While Bizen ware goes along with anything, no two items are the same

  • Have fun creating a dish at the workshop. 0.6kg of clay will make 2 small tea cups, etc.

    Have fun creating a dish at the workshop. 0.6kg of clay will make 2 small tea cups, etc.

  • The gallery with artwork, great for choosing a traditional Japanese souvenir

    The gallery with artwork, great for choosing a traditional Japanese souvenir

  • Feel free to make your own dish

    Feel free to make your own dish

Reviews

1
  • 秦晴

    宗兵衛窯 陶房土土 捏陶體驗~來這毛兒作一個屬於自己手做的陶器,當作島嶼之旅的回憶~很值得~

Details

Facility name
宗兵衛窯 陶房土土
Postal Code
794-2505
Address
326-1 Yugemyojin, Kamijimacho, Ochigun, Ehime
Telephone
090-4494-3346
Closed
Thursdays
Hours
10:00am - 4:00pm (Molding clay takes about an hour)
Cost
Kiln with firewood: 3,500 yen/0.6kg, 4,500 yen/1kg
kiln with kerosene oil: 2,500 yen/0.6kg, 3,500 yen/1kg
*Shipping has a separate charge
Directions
From Yuge Port, walk 5 min.
Credit Cards
Accepted (VISA, Master Card, JCB, Diners Club, AMERICAN EXPRESS)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Reference Website
Reference Website