The Chawan Challenge + Expo

          I took Ceramics 1 in my junior year and I madly in love with clay and making thing. Whenever class time come, I couldn't wait to get to touch clay or challenge myself on the wheel. Wheel throwing is the most challenge thing for me in Ceramics. Being on the wheel after 3 times, I am already see my progress; I've got better! And that is the reason why I want to take this class again. 

The chawan making process I've involve in is hand built and wheel-thrown. After making it for a week or more I think they do deserve the famous Japanese history and glory these artist are giving them . And I also do agree with Steven that a bowl with soul gives people good feeling when they handle and enjoying their tea. For me a well done chawan, the one is made with heart and soul will catch the user's and viewer's heart without trying.

Chawan is a bowl which you receive the cup of tea. Chawan originally came from the history of Japan. It did not take long for the Japanese to discover and incorporate them into their everyday life. The relationship between western civilization and the tea ceremony came to an abrupt halt when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Shogun, forced Westerners out of Japan and shut the doors on them for almost 300 years. Tea ceremony is a social event and it also can have a religious dimension to it.

After going through the Chawan Expo catalogue, I've spotted some chawan that I like but the ones really stand out to me are those made by Chris Prisen from Belgium. I like it really much. I love how she glazes those chawans. It's the glazing that really catch my attention.

 These are 2 of my wheel thrown chawans. They aren't too great but I definitely love 'em.

Title: Tree Moss
Wheel thrown, Stoneware Clay
High fired
Glazes: Blue Rutile, Smoky Merlot

Title: Rise from the Earth
Wheel-thrown, Stoneware Clay
High fired
Glazes: Cobalt oxide, Blue Rutile and Oatmeal

And this is my hand built chawan

Hexagon shaped chawan
Hand built
High fired
Shino, Salt Buff and Blue Rutile glazes

        

All of the chawans in our Chawan Expo Show are great. Each has its own beauty and meaning. However, the one that I am most intrigued by is Chawan #2 by Miguel Castro. 

        By in-laying the glazes, Miguel did a great job showing the marks on this chawan. The marks shows the connection of human touch. The rim is altered and glazed with Temoku created a great effect to it. This chawan reminds me of the perfect harmony of the nature, the earth and the trees, these two will not live well without each other. And this chawan will definitely give the user an unforgettable time!

SAS CHAWAN EXPO SHOW

Every single chawan/teabowl in this expo is definitely gorgeous. Each has its own unique look. By being a part of this chawan show, I realize that making chawans is an art. It is a process and time consuming. Potters need to put their imaginations and souls into the chawan just to make each and every single one of them well done.