Masa Yoshioka Ceramic Exhibition
MATERIAL FIRST TOUR 2024
Taiwan-France-USA
"Connect"
Guest Artist: Miki Yamaguchi
October 30 - November 24, 2024
Opening Reception on Wednesday, October 30, 6 pm - 8 pm
No reservation required. Please join us!
Special Event by Masa Yoshioka
Pottery Talk on Saturday, November 2, 6 - 7 pm
Tea Cup Painting Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9, 23 3 - 5 pm, and Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 - 4 pm just added!
Please make a reservation at the bottom of this page
Tea Ceremony by Souheki Mori
森 宗碧 茶会
Friday, November 1, 6 - 7 pm
Saturday, November 23, 11 am - 12 pm
Please make a reservation at the bottom of this page
at Setsugekka East Village
We warmly invite you to the ceramic exhibition "Connect" by Masa Yoshioka, showcasing a remarkable array of traditional techniques that extend beyond Kutani ware. As you explore Masa's stunning creations, immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of a Japanese tea ceremony led by master Souheki Mori.
Masa Yoshioka is a prominent ceramics artist based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. His passion for ceramics began in high school, inspired by the unique "Hokōsai" works of Hazan Itaya. He honed his skills at the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani ware Technical Institute and embarked on his solo career in 1995, establishing his retreat and studio in 2003.
Kutani ware, the focus of much of Yoshioka's work, is a celebrated ceramic tradition from Ishikawa Prefecture with a history spanning over 400 years. It is crafted from a unique local clay and is renowned worldwide for its vibrant patterns and distinctive translucent glaze.
Yoshioka has continued to develop his craft and showcase his work through solo exhibitions at major department stores in Kanazawa and Tokyo since 2003. From 2012 onward, he expanded his reach internationally, holding exhibitions in South Korea and other countries, including Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, Germany, the United States, and France. He is dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japanese traditional crafts with a global audience.
We warmly invite you to join us for three special events during the exhibition:
- Pottery Talk with Masa Yoshioka on Saturday, November 2, at 6 pm.
- Tea Cup Painting Workshops by Masa Yoshioka on Saturdays, November 9 and 23, from 3 pm to 5 pm.
- A Japanese Tea Ceremony hosted by Souheki Mori, on Friday, November 1, 6 pm and Saturday, November 23, 11 am featuring Masa's captivating artworks.
As seating for these events is limited, we encourage you to register early to secure your spot.
Your presence would mean a lot to us as we gather to celebrate the serene beauty of Masa Yoshioka's ceramics and enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese tea ceremony.
* In conjunction with his collage exhibition, we will hold a collage exhibition "Connect" by Miki Yamaguchi.
Masa Yoshioka陶芸個展
イーストビレッジの雪月華で
金沢在住の吉岡正義氏の陶芸個展「Connect」が、イーストビレッジの抹茶専門店雪月華で10月30日から11月24日まで開催される。
オープニングレセプションは10月30日（水）午後6から8時まで開催される。吉岡氏の作品を存分に楽しめる陶芸トークが11月2日（土）午後6時から、茶碗色絵ワークショップが11月9日（土）と23日（土）の午後3時から5時の2回、特別茶会が11月1日（金）午後6時と11月23日（土）の午前11時の2回から開催される。吉岡氏のトーク・ワークショップと森宗碧による茶会は座席に限りがあり事前予約が必要。
Artist's Profile
Masa Yoshioka
吉岡 正義
Ceramic Artist
Born in Kanazawa, Japan in 1971
A globally minded ceramic artist active in countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Germany. Masa challenges himself to create new pottery using clay from not only Japan but various regions around the world. He co-manages Kanazawa Saryo, which blends traditional crafts with a café experience, in collaboration with U.Sinc.
Artist Statement
地中深く固まった鉱物が土となり
その土がまた創造の鉱物に還っていく
自然に呼吸しながら…
土とふれあいながら…
Minerals created by scraping the earth become soil,
and that soil is returned to the minerals of creation.
While breathing naturally.
While interacting with the soil.
Background
1971
Born in Kanazawa
1986
Start pottery at Ishikawa Prefectural Technical High School
1997
Collection of works at Ishikawa Prefectural Technical High School
2003
Open to-an (Kanazawa)
2021
Dedicated work to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
2022
Open Kanazawa Saryo (Kanazawa)
2023
material first exhibition (Paris France)
2024
material first exhibition tour(Tainan Taiwan -Normandie France-New York America)
to-an Co.,Ltd. CEO
enso Co.,Ltd. CEO
to-an Kanazawa https://to-an.jp
Kanazawa Saryo https://kanazawasaryo.jp
Kanazawa Satoyama Workshop Representative
Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani Commerce Federation Federation Director
Auditor, Kanazawa Kutani Promotion Cooperative
Kanazawa City Crafts Association Councilor
Souheki Mori
森 宗碧
Souheki Mori was born and raised in Japan. She has studied the Japanese tea ceremony for over twenty five years under the Japan Association of the Tea Ceremony and received a certification as Japanese Tea Ceremony Master in 2003. Mori holds the title of Jufuku- an.
In 2011, she has established Tea-Whisk in New York City to introduce the beauty of the Japanese Tea Ceremony with Junya Mori. In 2012, she became a Contemporary Chanoyu Award Winner as a distinguished tea master.
Mori has hosted and conducted the Japanese Tea Ceremony in numerous places, such as American Museum of Natural History, Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall for Japan Week 2012 and 2015, and Japan Society. She has given a lecture on the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Columbia University, New York University, The New School, Fashion Institute of Technology, Queens College, and many others around Tri State. She has also joined the tea ceremony internationally, including World Tea Gathering in Mexico, 2013 and Iceland in 2014, and the London Tea Club in U.K. in 2014.
In April 2017, Mori opened a matcha teahouse named Setsugekka in East Village, New York. Setsugekka offers not only just a cup of matcha beverage but also a meditative moment for busy mind that only a tea master who has over 25 years training can offer. Mori’s grounded and calm presence is almost a balm to visitors who enter a beautiful space. She also teaches Japanese tea ceremony three times a week and there are more than fifty students.
Mori values her relationships with talented artists, collaborated with them, and held tea events and exhibits blending their creative worlds with her own unique approach to the tea ceremony. She believes that within the tea ceremony is a force invisible and precious, and that one can achieve spiritual growth through practicing tea.
Event
*You will be moved to the external domain setsugekkany-matcha.square.site, which is operated by Square, by clicking/tapping the button for reservation.
Masa Yoshioka Pottery Talk
Saturday, November 2, 6 pm - 7 pm
Admission: $20 per person
We invite you to an enlightening experience as we journey into the world of ceramics with Masa Yoshioka, a renowned artist from Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. Masa will generously share intriguing stories behind his extraordinary works, allowing you to delve into his artistic vision.
While you listen to Masa’s narratives, we encourage you to indulge in the calming taste of Matcha tea, which will add a delightful touch to our discussion. This harmonious blend of storytelling and tea appreciation promises to create a welcoming and memorable environment for everyone. We look forward to sharing this experience with you and exchanging inspiring ideas.
Masa Yoshioka Tea Cup Painting Workshop
Saturday, November 9, 3 pm - 5 pm Sold out
Saturday, November 23, 3 pm - 5 pm Sold out
Just Added! Sunday, November 24, 2 pm - 4 pm
Admission: $100 per person
In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to create your own original vessel using traditional lacquer techniques. This experience is part of the newly developed "Kanazawa Nuri," which was born in collaboration with "Kanazawa Saryo." This technique involves layering vibrant colors—seven different types of paint—on ceramics, while honing your sensibilities through the processes of applying, scraping, and refining.
At its core, this approach transcends the limited color palette traditionally used in the ancient craft of "Kutani" five colors merging the unique techniques of layering, polishing, and scraping inherent to lacquer art with "Kutani ware." This fusion introduces a fresh perspective to Kanazawa's rich "lacquering culture," showcasing the artist's innovative spirit.
Finding a vision is the cornerstone of creativity. 'Begin by reflecting on your favorite things—those that bring you joy,' says Yoshioka. He encourages you to momentarily set aside everything else and embrace the freedom of creation, focusing on bringing to life an object that embodies joy. This is the inspiring atmosphere Yoshioka hopes to cultivate.
Souheki Mori Tea Ceremony
Friday, November 1, 6 pm - 7 pm Sold out
Saturday, November 23, 11 am - 12 pm Sold out
Admission: $55 per person
Join us for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony led by master Souheki Mori. As you engage with this cherished tradition, you’ll also have the chance to admire the latest ceramic creations by Masa Yoshioka. To elevate your experience, we will serve traditional Matcha tea alongside delicate dry sweets, adding a delightful touch to this cultural celebration.