Tao of Clay
Two-day Wheel Workshop with Katō Hiroshige of Kasen Pottery
Two-day Wheel Workshop with Katō Hiroshige of Kasen Pottery
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$300 per registration
August 8th - 9th, 2026 | 2-Day Workshop | 10AM - 5:00 PM each day
Join us at Tao of Clay for an exclusive two-day wheel throwing workshop with Sensei Katō Hiroshige of Kasen Kiln (喜多窯), a 14th-generation potter and master of traditional Mino and Seto ceramics.
Designed for intermediate to advanced potters, this immersive workshop explores wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques for teaware rooted in the historic Seto and Mino regions of Japan. Participants will gain insight into traditional Oribe and Shino aesthetics, including pattern development and surface approach, along with an introduction to painting with underglaze using Japanese brushes.
This is a rare opportunity to study directly with a lineage holder carrying centuries of ceramic history into contemporary practice.
Workshop Includes:
- Japanese brush for each participant
- High-quality stoneware clay
- Access to a traditional iron oxide underglaze
- Materials for making Bamboo tools
- Storage of workshop wares for the duration of the workshop
- Tea available throughout the day
This workshop welcomes participants of intermediate to advanced levels and prior experience throwing is recommended.
Topics covered:
- Traditional pottery techniques from the Seto and Mino regions of Japan
- Practical techniques for making tea-ware, including teapots
- Spiral wedging
- Throwing off the hump and using cutting stings
- Making bamboo tools (dragonfly, bamboo knife)
- Making matcha Chawan by hand-pinching
- Kurinuki cup making
- Making chucks for trimming teapots
- Traditional Shino Oribe Patterns
- Traditional glazing for Matcha bowls
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Prerequisite: Prior experience wheel throwing is recommended.
Daily Schedule:
Teaching hours 10:00 AM - 1 PM
Lunch Break: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Teaching Hours: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tools
A Japanese brush from Sensei Katō Hiroshige will be provided to each participant and is accounted for in the registration fee. Tao of Clay will supply basic studio tools which are limited to bats, wooden boards, sponges, spray bottles, and plastic. Students are required to bring their own throwing and hand-building tools. A small selection of tools is also available for purchase in the on-site Tao of Clay shop.
Required Student tool list:
-
Throwing tools
- wooden knife
- needle tool
- sponge
- ribs of your choice
- 1-2 Bisque pieces for a glaze demo
Firing
Please note that firing is not included in the registration fee. Firing is available for purchase through Tao of Clay and is $5.00/lb for pieces under 14" in any dimension.
Studio Access
This workshop includes access to the studio only during scheduled workshop hours.
About Katō Hiroshige
Katō Hiroshige (加藤裕重) of Kasen Kiln (喜多窯) is a 14th-generation potter and the 12th head of Kitagama (Kasen) Kiln, located in the Akazu hills of Seto, Japan.
In the early Edo period, his family was one of four kiln families officially protected by the Shogunate and entrusted with firing tea ceremony wares for Nagoya Castle. Today, his family’s kiln is the only remaining one of those original four.
Hiroshige-san specializes in traditional Mino and Seto styles, including Shino and Oribe, while also developing new approaches that reflect his own distinct artistic voice. His work has been selected for numerous ceramics exhibitions, and he has held solo exhibitions throughout Japan.
Since 2015, he has led workshops around the world focused on traditional Japanese ceramic techniques. In 2019, he began serving as a Lecturer in Ceramics at Nagoya Gakuin University.
Cancellation Policy:
All sales are final and non-refundable. No refunds will be given for cancellations made at any time. Please consider this policy before purchasing a ticket.
Missed Class Policy:
We do not offer refunds, prorated refunds, or make-up sessions for missed workshop days or times.
Age Requirement:
Ages 18 + (Ages 16–18 may participate with prior approval. Please contact info@taoofclay.com for more information.)
Please contact info@taoofclay.com with any questions.
