Pottery

In June, before we left for the summer, Erika and I had a great opportunity to go and make our own pottery, on a wheel from a lump of clay! My friend Mio came with us and we each got our own wheel. The potter was actually very impressed, he said Americans aren't usually very good at it at first, a backhanded compliment if I've ever heard one! It was an unusual experience. The clay was very rough feeling (my hands were exfoliated!) but very slippery because of the water you had to add to it so it would move smoothly in your hands. The worst part is the feeling as the clay was drying on your hands. (You must understand I hate the feeling of dirt on my hands too!) We each made a small plate, a rice bowl, a noodle bowl (yes, there are different sizes according to what you put in them!) and a cup. One thing we've noted since being in Japan, the typical American drink is usually, at least, 12 ounces, in Japan the typical cup at the table is about 4-6 ounces! When we finished our pieces, we left them to dry, and then they painted them for us, then fired them. We were able to get them back after we returned from summer vacation. This, I think, was one of our most memorable activities in all our time here. We fully intend to do it again!