Enjoy a fragrant cup of tea with ceramic craftsman Ichikawa Takashi to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan.

Ichikawa is one of the makers featured in the exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan with several examples of his pottery. His practices, however, include more than working in clay. His deep interest in tea and coffee traditions, as well as in medicinal plants and herbs, has brought him to various regions in Japan and throughout Asia and Europe to learn about and explore ways in which people enjoy botanical infusions.

This event at Japan House London includes a short, informal presentation by the curator of Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan. He will introduce the works and practices of Ichikawa Takashi set against the concept of contemporary Japanese craft aesthetics celebrated in the exhibition.

The workshop guests are then invited to co-create a unique plant infusion, blending teas, fruits and herbs chosen especially for this occasion. Ichikawa Takashi will guide guests through the mindful and playful process of creating the blend and then make the infusion using tools and vessels specially designed and hand-crafted for this purpose.

Working beyond established schools of the Japanese ‘way of tea’, Ichikawa shapes his intimate tea gatherings as stimulating, sensory experiences bringing together crafts, people, plants and the elements. In harmony with the seasons and rooted in locality, his workshops invite guests to explore new ways of enjoying their daily cup of tea and sharing the moment with others.

Tickets for the event are non-refundable. Please read our Terms and Conditions for Event Tickets before purchasing your ticket.

Participants must be over 12 years old to take part in this event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Various types of tea leaves, herbs and fruit (both dried and fresh) may be used to create the infusions. Please contact us online or call on +44 (0)20 3972 7100 if you have any allergies.

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

 

About the Speakers

Nagata Takahiro
Nagata Takahiro has been working at Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (MUJI) since 2012, where he has been involved in design and curation for the Atelier Muji gallery as well as exhibitions both in Japan and overseas. Major exhibitions include Mingu (21_21 Design Sight, 2018) and at Atelier Muji Ginza Creative Imagination (2021), Japanese Modern (2023) and New Circulation (2024).

Ichikawa Takashi
Ichikawa Takashi was born in 1967 in Shiga Prefecture. He graduated from Hokkaido University of Education, Kushiro Campus and continued his studies at the Joetsu University of Education specializing gn sculpture. He studied ceramics under Morioka Shigeyoshi and worked at various studios across Japan. In his studio in Maibara City, he creates ceramics and makes accessories that complement his vessels, such as wooden lids, spoons and tea saucers. Apart from ceramic, Ichikawa’s practice encompasses tea gatherings inspired by his interest in tea cultures, wild plants and medicinal herbs. Through his tools, vessels and tea gatherings, he seeks to help people rediscover the joy of living in harmony with nature. His works have been exhibited in Japan and abroad.