The Kasamashiko Climbing Kiln Project, an exhibition and sale that brings together works fired in the same climbing kiln by approximately 100 Mashiko and Kasama ware potters, will be held at Shibuya Hikarie 8/COURT from February 20th to 23rd. The event is organized by the Kasamashiko Climbing Kiln Project Executive Committee.

The exhibition is a project to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the certification of the Japan Heritage site "Kasamashiko - A Pottery Story Woven by Brother Production Areas." Approximately 100 potters from Mashiko and Kasama wares will jointly fire their works in the climbing kiln of the Hamada Shoji Memorial Mashiko Reference Museum, which is also a cultural asset that constitutes the Japan Heritage site, and the works that resulted from this will be on display. It is a rare attempt worldwide for approximately 100 artists to fire their works in "one climbing kiln" that was favored by Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji.

The venue will exhibit and sell pottery works by participating artists, focusing on vessels and objects fired in climbing kilns. In addition, agricultural products such as strawberries and chestnuts, which are specialties of Mashiko Town and Kasama City, as well as souvenirs will be sold, promoting the pottery and food cultures of both producing areas at the same time.

"Kasamashiko" was designated a Japan Heritage Site in 2020 as a story that tells the story of the development of pottery culture spanning Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture. Both regions have shared the same pottery-making techniques since ancient times, and since modern times have developed as sister production areas. In Mashiko, the creation of tableware rooted in everyday life spread against the backdrop of the Mingei Movement, while in Kasama, a style that emphasizes design and sculptural expression has been cultivated. Today, ceramic artists from all over the country gather here, creating a diverse range of expressions.

This exhibition and sale will be held as an effort to connect this history with the present, and to pass on pottery culture and utilize it as a tourist resource. 20th: 5pm-8pm, 21st and 22nd: 11am-8pm, 23rd: 11am-4pm. Admission is free (no prior registration required).

Venue