Do you know about the Jomon Salon held by Jomon artist Hyodo Momoka?
In addition to the exhibition of Jomon pottery and the sale of works and books, there are also workshops for making Jomon clay bells (jomon dorei) and clay masks (domen) and storytelling sessions about Jomon.
I will introduce the "Jomon clay bell and clay mask making workshop" through experiences and an interview with Hyodo Momoka.
What is the Jomon Salon?
The "Jomon Salon" started as a one-time salon in November 2022 and is now held every month.
It is one of the community salons managed by "Mizushima Park Management Lab." located near Higashi-Tokiwacho, Mizushima.
The pleasures of the Jomon Salon are as follows.
- Jomon clay bell and clay mask making workshop
Choose between making a clay bell or a clay mask. Each participant is provided with 1 kg of clay, so you can make as many as you like within the amount of clay and time. - Storytelling session about Jomon
A gathering to discuss Jomon while sharing basic knowledge about Jomon, the charm of Jomon as seen by Hyodo, and Jomon in Okayama and the Chugoku region. - Exhibition of Jomon pottery, sale of works and books
Mainly featuring Jomon pottery (replicas and original works) created by Hyodo, as well as flower arrangements and other displays.
In addition to workshops and storytelling sessions, you can also enjoy exhibitions of Jomon pottery created by Hyodo.
Enjoying Hyodo's "hospitality" from the entrance
The venue is on the second floor of the "Mizushima Park Management Lab." The entrance of the building features a brand new banner for the Jomon Salon that catches the eye.
As soon as you enter, you are welcomed by Hyodo's handmade welcome board and flowers arranged in Jomon pottery.
Exhibition of Jomon pottery
Here is the exhibition space for Jomon pottery.
On the left, there are replicas of actual Jomon pottery. On the right, there are original works created by Hyodo. Please experience the shapes, patterns, and thickness of Jomon pottery.
When I think of Jomon pottery, the representative shape that comes to mind is the flame-shaped pottery (kaen-gata doki). This is also on display.
It is surprising that artistic and practical pottery was being made in an era without a potter's wheel.
One of the original Jomon pottery pieces created by Hyodo, titled "Oneness". This is a work that reflects Hyodo's joy of touching the earth.
Experience the Jomon clay bell and clay mask making workshop
Next, I experienced the Jomon clay bell and clay mask making workshop.
In the workshop, Hyodo first explains about Jomon pottery and the Jomon period.
Starting with fermented clay (1kg) for Jomon pottery, tools such as ropes and bamboo spatulas are available.
At the time of the interview, there were six participants, including the author (two adults and four children).
An example of the Jomon clay bell and clay mask to be made. The clay figurine in the upper right is hollowed out, and when shaken, it becomes a bell that produces a simple sound.
The author is attempting to make a Jomon clay bell. The steps to make it are as follows.
- Take about half of the clay and form it into a ball
- Shape that clay into a human figure
- Tap the bottom on the table to create a base
- Attach clay strings and add patterns
- Remove clay from there, insert a ball, and close it
Cut the clay (1kg) in half with a bamboo spatula and form it into a round shape. Hyodo-san demonstrates as an example.
I also tried, but even making it perfectly round is difficult.
Everyone is focused and enjoying the production in their own way. Hyodo-san provides support according to the participants' situations.
After making the clay bell (in the shape of a clay figurine), I was allowed to take pictures of the clay mask-making process.
For making the clay mask, a cooking bowl is used. It is placed upside down, and the work is done on top of a dry cloth.
The table is filled with works, and as long as there is clay distributed, participants can make as many items as they want within the time limit.
They showed us the clay bell in the shape of a ball that is in the process of being made. They are adding a rope pattern with the rope held in their right hand.
Additionally, this participant created six works including a clay bell (doll-shaped), a clay bell (ball-shaped), and two magatama.
On the day, the works created by the participants were as follows.
Unique clay bells, clay faces, and pottery were completed. These works are scheduled to be completed by burning in the field on April 28, 2024 after drying.
After the Jomon clay bell and clay face making workshop, I interviewed Hyodo Momoka, who is both the instructor and a Jomon artist.
Data on the Jomon Clay Bell and Clay Face Making Workshop
| Name | Jomon Clay Bell and Clay Face Making Workshop |
|---|---|
| Date | Regularly held every month For applications, contact Hyodo via DM on Instagram or at kamomo821@gmail.com *For details, please check Hyodo's Instagram and others. |
| Location | 10-8 Tokiwacho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Jomon Clay Bell and Clay Face Making Workshop: 4,500 yen Jomon Storytelling Session: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Hyodo's Instagram |
