Have you heard of the Jomon Salon held by Jomon artist Hyodo Momoka?
In addition to exhibiting Jomon pottery and selling works, books, and other items, the salon holds a “Jomon clay bell and clay mask-making workshop” and a “Jomon talk session.”
Here, we introduce the “Jomon clay bell and clay mask-making workshop” through a hands-on experience and an interview with Hyodo Momoka.
The information presented here is current as of when this article was published in March 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Jomon Salon?
The Jomon Salon began as an occasional salon in November 2021 and is now held every month.
It is one of the community salons run by Mizushima Park Management Lab., near Higashi-Tokiwa-cho in Mizushima.
The Jomon Salon offers the following activities:
- Jomon clay bell and clay mask-making workshop
Choose to make either a clay bell or a clay mask. Each person is provided with 1 kg of clay, so you can make as many as you like within the available amount of clay and time. - Jomon talk session
A gathering to talk about the Jomon period, covering basic knowledge, what Hyodo finds fascinating about the Jomon period, and Jomon culture in Okayama and the Chugoku region. - Jomon pottery exhibits and sales of works, books, and other items
Exhibits include mainly Jomon pottery made by Hyodo (replicas and original creations), as well as flower arrangements.
In addition to the workshops and talk sessions, you can also enjoy exhibits of Jomon pottery made by Hyodo.
Enjoy Hyodo’s hospitality from the entrance
The venue is Mizushima Park Management Lab. on the second floor of this building. A brand-new “Jomon Salon” banner at the entrance catches the eye.
As soon as you enter, you are welcomed by a handmade welcome board by Hyodo and flowers arranged in Jomon pottery.
Jomon pottery exhibits
This is the Jomon pottery exhibition space.
On the left are works modeled on actual Jomon pottery. On the right are original works created by Hyodo. Be sure to experience the shapes, patterns, and thickness of the Jomon pottery.
When I think of Jomon pottery, the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic flame-style pottery. One is on display here, too.
It is amazing that artistic and practical pottery was made in an era before the potter’s wheel existed.
This is one of Hyodo’s original Jomon pottery creations, “Isshin Dotai” (One Heart, One Body). It is a work that reflects Hyodo’s joy in touching the earth.
Experience the Jomon clay bell and clay mask-making workshop
Next, I took part in the Jomon clay bell and clay mask-making workshop.
At the workshop, Hyodo first explains Jomon pottery and the Jomon period.
The workshop provides all the necessary tools, including fermented clay for Jomon pottery (1 kg), rope, and bamboo spatulas.
There were six participants at the time of the visit, including me: two adults and four children.
Here are examples of Jomon clay bells and clay masks to be made. The clay figurine in the upper right has a hollow interior, so when shaken it becomes a bell that makes a simple, gentle sound.
I tried making a Jomon clay bell. The steps are as follows:
- Take about half of the clay and roll it into a ball.
- Shape the clay into a human figure.
- Tap the bottom against the table to make a flat base.
- Attach clay coils and add patterns.
- Remove some clay from inside, put in a small ball, and close it up.
Cut the 1 kg of clay in half with a bamboo spatula and roll it into a ball. Hyodo demonstrates the process.
I gave it a try, too, but even making a perfectly round ball is difficult.
Everyone works with focus, making their creations as they please and enjoying themselves. Hyodo offers help according to each participant’s needs.
After making a clay bell in the shape of a clay figurine, I was allowed to photograph someone making a clay mask.
A cooking bowl is used to make the mask. It is placed upside down, with a dry cloth laid over it.
More and more creations are filling the table. As long as you have clay left, you can make as many different things as you like within the time available.
They showed me a ball-shaped clay bell in progress. The rope held in the right hand is used to make rope-pattern impressions.
This participant also made six pieces, including a clay bell in the shape of a clay figurine, a ball-shaped clay bell, and two magatama.
The works created by the participants on the day were as follows.
They completed distinctive clay bells, clay masks, pottery, and more. After these works have dried, they are scheduled to be completed by open-air firing on April 28, 2024.
After the Jomon clay bell and clay mask-making workshop, we interviewed instructor and Jomon artist Hyodo Momoka.
Jomon Clay Bell and Clay Mask-Making Workshop Information
| Name | Jomon Clay Bell and Clay Mask-Making Workshop |
|---|---|
| Dates | Held regularly every month To register, contact Hyodo via Instagram DM or email kamomo821@gmail.com ※For details, check Hyodo’s Instagram and other sources. |
| Location | 10-8 Tokiwa-cho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Jomon Clay Bell and Clay Mask-Making Workshop: ¥4,500 Jomon Talk: ¥1,000 |
| Website | Hyodo’s Instagram |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a word to search articles on this site
