Gojō Pottery Fair, in which pottery stalls line Gojō street all the way between Kawabata and Higashioji, begins August 7th and continues to August 10th. Simultaneously, in nearby Rokudo-san temple, is Kyoto's very own festival of the dead, the Rokudo Mairi spirit welcoming festival. Jen Teeter explores both of these events and more in her DKW essay "Time Travelling on Gojō", so … [Read more...]
Kawai Kanjiro’s House
This is the house of Kawai Kanjiro, a legendary potter and a key figure in the mingei or Japanese folk art movement. His beautiful wooden townhouse has been preserved as a memorial run by his family. The building itself and the garden are wonderful, but you can also see here many of his works: ceramics, sculptures, and woodcarvings. His kilns are preserved at the back of the … [Read more...]
Climbing Mount Daimonji with Robert Yellin & the Ricoh Theta
When you write a blog, and a reasonable number of people follow it, sometimes you get stuff for free. Probably this is the best thing I ever got for free: Pretty, isn't it? This is the RICOH THETA - the first camera that can take 360 degree panoramic images in one shot. And as it isn't on sale yet, I'm the very first person in Kyoto who gets to give it a go! Soon after it … [Read more...]
Kubota Rekkou’s Blue Celadon Works @ Robert Yellin’s Gallery
On Wednesday I spent a very pleasant evening at Robert Yellin's ceramics gallery, looking at all beautiful things that he has gathered there and enjoying his fascinating conversation. Robert had invited me up to see his new exhibition; the beautiful blue celadon of Kubota Rekkou. Light, pale and graceful this 青白磁 (seihakuji - or blue-white porcelain) stands in marked contrast … [Read more...]
