Japanese Pottery Artist Presents History Of Kogei

Who would’ve thought that pottery could be so fascinating? Japanese pottery artist Ohi Toshio Chozaemon XI – that’s who. On Jan. 23, he’ll be presenting two lectures in South Florida, sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami.

Miami residents can kick off the morning at 10 a.m. with “The Spirit of Japanese Craftsmanship (Kogei) and Tea Ceremony,” at Florida International University, located in the College of Business, room CBC R233, at 11200 S.W. Eighth St. Then, Chozaemon will journey north to Delray Beach to present the same lecture at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, at 4000 Morikami Park Road. (The Morikami lecture is free with paid museum admission.)

Born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Chozaemon is the 11th generation in a family of potters known for “Ohi Yaki” pottery, a traditional style of Raku ware dating back more than 350 years, according to a press release. Raku is a type of pottery customarily used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Therefore, most “Ohi Yaki” consists of tea utensils and bowls.

“The Ohi method of pottery-making involves using soft clay soil, shaping the piece by hand, coating with a ceramic glaze and firing in a kiln at low temperatures,” according to the press release. “The pieces are often removed from the kiln while still glowing hot and then allowed to cool in the open air, resulting in fairly porous vessels. The final distinctive glaze is meant to contrast with the powdered green tea used in tea ceremonies.”

Plus, Chozaemon – whose work is prized by collectors and museums internationally – will lead two full-day, hands-on pottery workshops at the Ceramic League of Miami on Jan. 21 and 22. Both workshops are sold out.

For more information about the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami, visit www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html.