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Craft Kyushu | A report from an international student living in Kyushu about the real experiences and excitement of traditional crafts
Lok Wing Yan
[Kyushu/Nagasaki] Handmade teapot. Hasami ware experience. Pottery is made here.
Hosoyaki, a type of porcelain with delicate blue patterns on white porcelain reminiscent of snow, is a local specialty that has been made in this area for 400 years and is popular among the common people due to its affordable price.
This time, we went to Nakaoyama in Hasami to see Hasami's unique manufacturing techniques and experience how to make a teapot. Let's see how it is made!
First, carve the desired pattern into the plaster model.
The carving is done deeply and widely so that the lines of the pattern stand out when the piece is shaped into a teapot.
The plaster model was then filled with mortar made from ceramic stone. Once the outer mortar had hardened, the excess mortar was poured off to create a cavity.
When the plaster model is disassembled, you can see the metal fittings taking shape. The parts are still soft because they contain moisture.
Then cut off the excess from each fitting and join the fittings together.
The teapot body is now complete. It still needs to be fired, so you can't take it home right away.
I can't wait to receive my very own teapot!
Homemade pizza
After the morning pottery experience, we made a large 30cm diameter pizza (for one person) in a kiln that was once used to fire pottery at the Taoist village restaurant "Shiki no Ie." The process is very simple, and an instructor will be there to guide you, so even beginners can feel at ease.
The flour, butter, sugar and salt are mixed with water and gently rolled into a ball with your hands, then the dough is left to rise.
While the dough is rising, finely chop the tomatoes, onions, and bacon to garnish the pizza.
Once the dough has risen, it is rolled using a wooden stick into a 30cm pizza, spread with tomato sauce and garnish with freshly cut toppings and cheese.
Finally, put the pizza in the oven and bake it for about 3 minutes, and your big pizza is ready!
Healthy and delicious with colorful vegetables
Through pottery and pizza making in Hasami, I was not only able to express my creativity but also to have a piece of work that was unique to me. This kind of experience is rare in Hong Kong, so I highly recommend you come to Boso Izumi and experience it for yourself!
