Matcha Teabowl Hikidashi workshop with Douglas Black 6 - 10th April 2027
The making, firing and use of Japanese & Korean teabowls for enjoying matcha with Douglas Black
1300 euro.
Course Overview:
10.30 - 17.30 Tuesday - Saturday.
This 5-day workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of making teabowls (Chawan) specifically designed for enjoying matcha. We will mix a special clay body for the hikidashi technique incorporating native materials from the Balearic Islands and practice new forming techniques in our ceramic studio in Deia.
Participants will study key aspects and details of the chawan and practice new forming techniques combining elements of throwing and handbuilding. After demonstrating different approaches, with influences from the Japanese traditions, Douglas will guide participants to create their own chawan. An emphasis on cultivating a mindset for staying open and free while forming on the potters wheel will be encouraged.
A highlight of the course is experiencing the hikidashi firing method, a traditional Japanese technique where bowls are pulled from the kiln at its hottest temperature to cool quickly, creating surface effects with great depth and unpredictable beauty.
On the last day we will introduce the essential elements of a modern, casual approach to the Japanese tea ceremony as we partake in appreciating the beauty and enjoyment of tea from our new hikidashi chawan in a group setting.
From forming, glazing, and firing, to learning about matcha tools, preparation, serving, and enjoyment, participants will leave with a wide breadth of new skills at the intersection of a shared passion for ceramics, tea, and aesthetic pleasure.
Course Details:
Forming Techniques: Learn to combine throwing and handbuilding techniques to create unique teabowls. You’ll also explore how clay composition impacts the finished bowl’s look and feel, emphasizing softness and harmony with matcha.
Trimming & Glazing: You’ll use bamboo or wooden tools to form the foot of your bowl, and experiment with glaze application methods using natural materials. After glazing, the bowls will be loaded into the kiln on locally collected shells.
Hikidashi Firing: Learn the hikidashi firing technique, including how to pull pieces from the kiln at 1220°C to create stunning surface effects. Each participant will have the chance to select one bowl to be hikidashi fired
Tea Ceremony: On the last day, we will enjoy a casual tea ceremony, using our newly created teabowls to appreciate the beauty of handmade objects in daily living. Matcha brewing techniques and key tips will be discussed in detail and participants will walk away with a deeper contextual understanding of matcha, its philosophy, and preparation.
Notes:
A curated maker’s toolkit and matcha tool set will be available for purchase in person on the last day.
Due to the nature of the firing method, each participant will have the opportunity to select one teabowl for the hikidashi firing.
About the Instructor:
Douglas Black
Douglas Black has been a dedicated ceramic artist for over 30 years, based in rural Japan. He lives and works in the mountains along the Naka River in Mashiko, a region known for its rich ceramic history and its connection to the folk craft movement. Douglas is particularly renowned for his deep knowledge and practice of traditional Japanese pottery techniques, including hikidashi firing, which he has been perfecting for more than 25 years.
His work spans a variety of forms and styles, from functional tea utensils to large sculptures. Douglas’ pieces are deeply influenced by the philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), where simplicity and imperfection are valued as expressions of beauty and mindfulness. His skill with hikidashi, a high-heat kiln-pulling technique, allows him to create stunning teabowls that embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic—capturing rustic beauty and moments of fleeting imperfection. His experience in the traditional tea culture means he can offer valuable insight not only on technical skills, but also on the deeper philosophy behind the tea ceremony.
Through this workshop, you will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who has lived and practiced in Japan for decades, absorbing the techniques passed down by masters of hikidashi.
Please note:
The studio is conveniently located within walking distance of various hotels and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable stay. Lunch and accommodation is not included. A roof terrace is also available for students who prefer to bring their own lunch.
What’s Included
All clay for use during the workshop
All tuition and demonstrations
Use of studio tools and equipment
Glazing and firing of selected of 1 final piece .
5-day workshop. Includes VAT, materials, and firing.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the limited number of places available and the advance costs involved, full payment is required to secure a place on the workshop.
Cancellations made 21 days or more before the workshop start date will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made within 21 days of the workshop start date are non-refundable.
In cases of illness or unforeseen circumstances, a credit toward a future workshop may be offered, subject to availability.
No refunds are given for no-shows or partial attendance.
We strongly recommend participants ensure they are able to attend all workshop dates before booking.
Before confirming your booking, please ensure your accommodation is secured. Alternatively, you can email us to reserve your place while you arrange your travel and accommodation. We will hold your reservation for up to 72 hours.
To contact us please email: info@dehaangallerystudio.com
The making, firing and use of Japanese & Korean teabowls for enjoying matcha with Douglas Black
1300 euro.
Course Overview:
10.30 - 17.30 Tuesday - Saturday.
This 5-day workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of making teabowls (Chawan) specifically designed for enjoying matcha. We will mix a special clay body for the hikidashi technique incorporating native materials from the Balearic Islands and practice new forming techniques in our ceramic studio in Deia.
Participants will study key aspects and details of the chawan and practice new forming techniques combining elements of throwing and handbuilding. After demonstrating different approaches, with influences from the Japanese traditions, Douglas will guide participants to create their own chawan. An emphasis on cultivating a mindset for staying open and free while forming on the potters wheel will be encouraged.
A highlight of the course is experiencing the hikidashi firing method, a traditional Japanese technique where bowls are pulled from the kiln at its hottest temperature to cool quickly, creating surface effects with great depth and unpredictable beauty.
On the last day we will introduce the essential elements of a modern, casual approach to the Japanese tea ceremony as we partake in appreciating the beauty and enjoyment of tea from our new hikidashi chawan in a group setting.
From forming, glazing, and firing, to learning about matcha tools, preparation, serving, and enjoyment, participants will leave with a wide breadth of new skills at the intersection of a shared passion for ceramics, tea, and aesthetic pleasure.
Course Details:
Forming Techniques: Learn to combine throwing and handbuilding techniques to create unique teabowls. You’ll also explore how clay composition impacts the finished bowl’s look and feel, emphasizing softness and harmony with matcha.
Trimming & Glazing: You’ll use bamboo or wooden tools to form the foot of your bowl, and experiment with glaze application methods using natural materials. After glazing, the bowls will be loaded into the kiln on locally collected shells.
Hikidashi Firing: Learn the hikidashi firing technique, including how to pull pieces from the kiln at 1220°C to create stunning surface effects. Each participant will have the chance to select one bowl to be hikidashi fired
Tea Ceremony: On the last day, we will enjoy a casual tea ceremony, using our newly created teabowls to appreciate the beauty of handmade objects in daily living. Matcha brewing techniques and key tips will be discussed in detail and participants will walk away with a deeper contextual understanding of matcha, its philosophy, and preparation.
Notes:
A curated maker’s toolkit and matcha tool set will be available for purchase in person on the last day.
Due to the nature of the firing method, each participant will have the opportunity to select one teabowl for the hikidashi firing.
About the Instructor:
Douglas Black
Douglas Black has been a dedicated ceramic artist for over 30 years, based in rural Japan. He lives and works in the mountains along the Naka River in Mashiko, a region known for its rich ceramic history and its connection to the folk craft movement. Douglas is particularly renowned for his deep knowledge and practice of traditional Japanese pottery techniques, including hikidashi firing, which he has been perfecting for more than 25 years.
His work spans a variety of forms and styles, from functional tea utensils to large sculptures. Douglas’ pieces are deeply influenced by the philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), where simplicity and imperfection are valued as expressions of beauty and mindfulness. His skill with hikidashi, a high-heat kiln-pulling technique, allows him to create stunning teabowls that embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic—capturing rustic beauty and moments of fleeting imperfection. His experience in the traditional tea culture means he can offer valuable insight not only on technical skills, but also on the deeper philosophy behind the tea ceremony.
Through this workshop, you will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who has lived and practiced in Japan for decades, absorbing the techniques passed down by masters of hikidashi.
Please note:
The studio is conveniently located within walking distance of various hotels and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable stay. Lunch and accommodation is not included. A roof terrace is also available for students who prefer to bring their own lunch.
What’s Included
All clay for use during the workshop
All tuition and demonstrations
Use of studio tools and equipment
Glazing and firing of selected of 1 final piece .
5-day workshop. Includes VAT, materials, and firing.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the limited number of places available and the advance costs involved, full payment is required to secure a place on the workshop.
Cancellations made 21 days or more before the workshop start date will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made within 21 days of the workshop start date are non-refundable.
In cases of illness or unforeseen circumstances, a credit toward a future workshop may be offered, subject to availability.
No refunds are given for no-shows or partial attendance.
We strongly recommend participants ensure they are able to attend all workshop dates before booking.
Before confirming your booking, please ensure your accommodation is secured. Alternatively, you can email us to reserve your place while you arrange your travel and accommodation. We will hold your reservation for up to 72 hours.
To contact us please email: info@dehaangallerystudio.com