Pottery Workshop
Pottery Workshop
Shape clay, Savor tea.
Craft two small vessels or a bowl with clay sourced from a Nara tea field.
In this exclusive workshop, tea and clay come together in a quiet act of creation. Under the guidance of ceramic artist Andrew Saito, you will shape up to two vessels—two tea cups or one matcha bowl, for example—using hand-building (手びねり) techniques.
The clay itself tells a story. Foraged from a tea plantation in Nara, this soil was shaped over centuries by the ebb and flow of Lake Biwa. Only available through Maana’s collaboration with Donoma Studio, this workshop invites you to begin at the source—transforming raw earth into clay by crushing, sieving and blending it with sand to refine its texture, weight, and ability to hold heat.
Between moments of shaping clay, sip tea grown from the very same earth. A simple, quiet pause to feel the connection between material, ritual, and form.
ARTISANAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Choose a type of foraged clay sourced from a tea plantation in Nara
WHITE CLAY
A smooth, fine clay with a bit of sand, perfect for making teacups. The clay’s low porosity means it doesn’t soak up liquid easily, allowing the natural color of the tea to shine and highlight the delicate hues of your brew.
RED CLAY
With its grainy texture and high porosity, red clay absorbs moisture easily which makes it great for making objects like tea spoons, measuring cups, and coasters - anything that does not hold liquid. While a bit harder to shape by hand, its unique qualities make it a great choice for creating tools that complement your tea rituals.
GREY CLAY
This iron-infused clay with fine sand particles offers strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for larger pieces like matcha bowls. It doesn’t absorb much water, so your finished piece will be durable and perfect for everyday use.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Through attentive dialogue with the clay—its texture, memory, and quiet signals—we not only shape form, but deepen our understanding of the earth itself, fostering a more conscious and respectful relationship with the natural world.
EVERY OTHER FRIDAY | 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Pottery Workshop
Please check the booking calendar for the latest schedule.
Location
FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if you cancel more than 7 days before the workshop. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable.
What is your policy on children attending the workshop?
Children aged 6 and older are welcome to join. They will be charged the standard fee. At least one adult must accompany children under 13 years old.
What should I wear?
Clothing and shoes may get dirty during the workshop. Please dress accordingly.
Is the workshop bilingual?
No, the workshop will be conducted in English, with some Japanese if necessary.
Do you accommodate private workshops?
Please contact atelier@maana.jp with the number of participants and the dates you’ll be visiting.
Do you offer shipping?
Yes, international shipping is included in the price. Please note that it takes approximately two months to complete the firing process and prepare your piece for shipment. For certain destinations, customs duties may apply and are not included in the listed price.
Choose an experience
Maana Atelier
Tea Dye
Maana Atelier
Botanical Teas
Maana Atelier
Earthen Wall
Maana Atelier
Fermentation
Private Tea House
Morning Tea Ceremony
Private Tea House
Night Tea Ceremony
In collaboration with
DONOMA STUDIO
Donoma Studio was founded by So Andrew Saito (Ceramic Researcher / Potter). Andrew conceptually celebrates the beauty of natural cycles and expresses the aesthetic order found in nature while exploring the contrast with the "distortions" created by modern civilization and society, through form and materials. Donoma Studio is a material research platform aiming to share the knowledge and practices of craftsmanship and sustainability.
