In 2008 the people of Mashiko pottery village and the Mingei Association collectively donated over £40,000 towards rebuilding the Leach Pottery.
We are launching an appeal now to raise funds for Mashiko which has been badly hit by the earthquake. Mashiko has over 400 studios and kilns, providing the main livelihood of the village, and the recent quake has caused considerable damage to kilns, homes and buildings. Mashiko’s two main museums, the Mashiko Ceramics Museum and the Hamada Reference Museum have also been badly hit. To donate to this appeal visit the Leach Pottery website
Link to the Leach Pottery, St.Ives website for appeal information and how to donate. http://www.leachpottery.com/What-s-On/News-Feed.aspx
Here are some images sent via Euan Craig from Mashiko and from his own pottery. for more information see his blog
I spent very happy times in Mashiko in 1993 and 1995 and have great friends who are potters there. Some of the nicest people in all Japan.
I am very saddened to hear that Mashiko has been badly hit by the Earthquake and have a lump in my throat every time I listen to the news of devastation throughout Japan.
I was in Mashiko in 1975 and had the greatest experiences.
My eyes were opened to a world of potters that I never new existed. I was fortunate enough to travel with a group from the publication “Ceramics Monthly” and met so many wonderful potters including Hamada Shoji.
From there I traveled all over till I arrived in Kyu Shu where I found my teacher in Karatsu and stayed for one year.
Since I was in Japan my life has never been the same. Their hearts enveloped my soul.
I am wishing that everyone in Japan is able to recover from this horrible catastrophe
and my heart goes out to all.
My heart goes out to thhe people of Japan. Such beauty and serenity destroyed. I do wonder about Gerd Knapper’s studio and home. I was just now going through a Architectural Digest from 1995 and found pictures of his home, studio and beautiful pottery.