Sensei

Longtime UNS Member, Sharon Meyers, is currently studying ceramics in Japan for several months. This is a glimpse into her world and journey.

Konichjwa!

Before coming to Kyoto, I was familiar with the Japanese title, sensei, as a teacher. I now understand more personally what this means and why it is important. Sensei literally translates as a person “born before another” – an honor that carries deep respect, earned through time, focus and dedication.

Most all sensei master teachers I have met here have been elders, expressed in Japanese rhythms of nature as those in the fuyu/ winter of their lives. Mastering one’s art can literally take a lifetime; these elders exemplify, through the way in which they live, the ideals of sensei.

I was recently asked which sensei experiences have impacted me most profoundly. One that continues to inspire is the home and studio of Kawai Kanjiro, which interestingly, is nestled along a small lane in my Higashiyama neighborhood. Kanjiro’s notable life’s work as a ceramic artist, sculptor, wood carver and calligrapher is contained within his machiya/ townhouse, along with the tools of his craft: his kilns and materials. What an inspiration to feel his energy through his expressive pieces in the living and working spaces he built himself, influencing generations of craftsmen and potters!

A sensei in the aki/ autumn of her life, Masako creates mingei/folkcraft ceramic pieces in the mountains north of Kyoto. From my first view of her seasonal “farm to table” garden, then my first steps into her light filled studio, expansive kiln, and open kitchen floorplan, I felt so comfortable that I could live there. She actually does live on the second level of the same space, with an intentionality of using her ceramic pieces as tableware, as well as table accents. She loves to share her culinary interests with others, as do I. Such a pleasure to understand both her approach to ceramics and to enjoy the aesthetics of a meal that she prepared and we shared.

Another sensei who has taught me by example is the youngest of my experience here, in the natsu/ summer of his life. Impassioned by the tea ware he learned to appreciate as a child through his father, Kobayashi expresses his love of “everything tea” using his own curated collection of antique matcha bowls in his café/ studio space. Each customer selects the tea bowl calling to him/ her. Kobayashi explains its history, then prepares and serves matcha in the chosen precious bowl. Upstairs from the café, he showcases ceramic artists along with his international ceramic pieces, honed through his keen sense of history and cultural appreciation. I hope to be skilled enough one day to be considered for a show in this space.

Overall, sensei have become trusted sources of life skills throughout these past months. Their approach to mentorship transfers both knowledge and a way of life through the art of living intentionally. Sensei remain curious, advancing their own understanding, challenging their assumptions and boundaries, ever curious to learn, find flaws, continue improving. Further they uplift their students to reach the same level or even higher. These qualities alone are life lessons beyond any tactical art experiences of my learning that I will continue to cherish.

Arigato,
Sharon

Images:

• Organic, intriguing vessels.
• Kanjiro working studio and display.
• Embracing the ancient past.
• Serving matcha in antique tea ware.
• Mentoring the next generation.
• Edible art, varied ceramics presentation.
• Climbing kiln, Kanjiro studio.
• Completed works awaiting shipment.
• Studio gallery, Uji.
• Beauty in simplicity.