Mike Martino: Japanese cups and tea bowls

11th and 12th of October, 9am - 5pm

It's one of the most popular forms in studio ceramics – though not every beautiful bowl is actually suited for drinking.

This workshop approaches the tea bowl in its original context: as a functional vessel for preparing and drinking matcha within the framework of the Japanese tea ceremony.
We will explore proportions, size relationships, and common forms that have proven themselves in practice – and discuss what makes a tea bowl comfortable, usable, and truly functional.

Techniques and Content
Participants will work both on the wheel and with handbuilding methods. The focus is not on surface decoration or effect, but on form, weight, balance, and texture.
We will discuss the difference between display pieces and functional vessels, and take a brief look at key moments in the history of tea bowls – from early Chinese influences to the preferences of notable Japanese tea masters.

About the Instructor
Michael Martino has lived in Japan for over twenty years and runs a studio in Taku, Saga Prefecture. He trained with Tsuruta Yoshihisa in the Karatsu ceramic tradition and has been firing his own anagama wood kiln since 2011.
A significant part of his practice focuses on utensils for the Japanese tea ceremony – especially tea bowls that combine functional integrity with cultural depth.
For him, a good tea bowl brings together two levels: that of a simple, usable object – and that of a form that shapes experience and presence.

Course Details
5kg of Clay and bisque firing is included in the course
Language: English
Maximum 10 participants
Basic knowledged of working on the wheel is required