Some Kyoto Gardens

These photos were taken in the Shosei-en Gardens in Kyoto. If you look closely there are white herons on the little island to the left of the rock. In my last blog I wrongly identified the Korean potter making the large pot. I have corrected my mistake and appologise to those concerned. Thanks Richard for alerting me!

Two Korean Potters

The large pot was being made by Kook Hyun Park, (on the left) with some assistance. The pot had been made over several days. I am not sure of the name of the potter who made these delightful sculptural animals.

Mishima Platters

These two platters were being made at the Wood Fire Festival in 2002. One is being done by a Japanese potter and the other by a Korean potter. To see the skill and patience of these men working was really memorable.

Festival Pots

During the Wood Fire Festival in 2002 some finished work was shown like this platter by Iwami Shinsuke-san. We all made demonstration work as well and this large vase, shown here on its side, was made by another Japanese potter whose name I cannot remember. The wire cutting was so even and I can imagine the quality of the light and shaddow effects as well as how ash may be caught in the hollows when it was finished.

Aomori

There are many beautiful bridges in Japan, this one is at Aomori. The dragon is on a different bridge, this time in Goshogawara. They also had dragons cast onto their manhole covers which were then wonderfully coloured with enamel. In New Zealand we have "Tanawha" but they are never depicted in the form of street art.

Pots by Uwe Loellmann, Germany

These two pots were shown at the 2002 Wood Fire Festival in Goshogawara as part of the exhibition. Uwe made lovely pots fired in an anagama type kiln in Germany. Enjoy!

Interesting Wood Fired Sculptures

These two pieces are by Christos Tsimbourlas from Greece, who was another member of the International community attending the 2002 Wood Fire Festivel in Goshogawara. Christos only has a small kiln so his larger pieces are assembled from a number of smaller ones. There is really no need for the size of your kiln to dictate the size of your finished sculpture.

Neputa Artist

The day after the Neputa Festival we were taken to the Neputa Museum. The entry through these magnificent trees made a great impression as did the exhibition of floats from previous festivals. As part of the activities we were given a small paper Neputa model and shown how to paint it in a traditional way. We were then given a certificate to say we were official Neputa float decorators. I am sure that if I returned to Japan with my certificate and asked whether I could participate I would be made most welcome.

Tachi-Neputa

One evening during the Wood Fire Festival we were taken to the Neputa Festival in Goshogawara. These huge floats were made with bamboo and paper and manhandeled through the streets accompanied by drums, flutes, whistles and much chanting. The people attending the Wood Fire Festival were instructed to wear the red T-shirts given them and to join in the fun. And fun it was! These floats were about nine meters high - as tall as a three story building.

Archaeological Site

Previously I have shown Jomon pots which I think are wonderful, but here are some Jomon buildings that have been reconstructed. As part of the 2002 Wood Fire Festival at Goshogawara we were taken to the Sannai-Maruyama Iseki Historical Site. The area is still being researched and is extreemly interesting. No one seems to know exactly what the tall wooden structure was used for but the small house was obvious. Very like New Zealand Maori store houses set on tall posts to keep vermin out.