Yamaguchi Shinbun

Promoting the Appeal of Hagi Ware in France
Ceramic Artist Takao Tahara Introduces Hagi Ware through Japonismes 2018
Tea Ceremony Held and Lecture Given at a University

As part of Japonismes 2018, a program introducing Japanese culture held in France last year to commemorate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and France, Takao Tahara, a 36-year-old ceramic artist from the Hagi-yaki Fukagawa Kiln in Nagato City, introduced the appeal of Hagi ware.

The Fukagawa Kiln has a history of approximately 360 years. Tahara is the eldest son of the 13th-generation Tōbei Tahara, aged 67, the current head of the kiln and a descendant of Yi Saguang (李勺光), regarded as one of the founders of Hagi ware.

After completing a graduate program in sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts, Tahara began studying pottery under Tōbei Tahara in 2011. His works were subsequently selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and in 2016 he received an Award for Excellence at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Exhibition.

During Japonismes 2018, a tea ceremony organized by the Association Franco-Japonaise pour la Cérémonie du Thé was held on September 14 at the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower.

Sōyū Mori, representative of the association and a tea practitioner of the Urasenke school, prepared a tea gathering using tea bowls made by Tahara.

Works by traditional ceramic artists, including those producing Hagi ware, Bizen ware, Kyō ware and Asahi ware, were also displayed, filling the venue with vessels of distinctive forms and character.

On November 5, Tahara gave a lecture on Hagi ware at Lyon City Hall.

He explained that Hagi ware changes in appearance and character through use, and that this reflects a Japanese sensibility in which the passage of time itself is transformed into value.

Mori also gave a demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony, and tea was served to visitors.

At the reception, dishes prepared with ingredients from Yamaguchi Prefecture were served. A message from the mayor of Nagato City, as well as tourism posters, were displayed at the venue.

Brochures introducing the Fukagawa Hagi Kiln and tourism in Nagato City were distributed, providing an opportunity to promote Nagato City together with Hagi ware.

On the following day, November 6, a lecture was also given at the University of Grenoble. Tahara spoke about Japanese culture and Hagi ware, explaining that he was pleased that the event had encouraged people to take an interest in Japanese culture.

He also emphasized the distinctive character of Hagi ware: the more it is used, the more its simple beauty develops depth and character.