Shima Kanko Hotel is a resort hotel in Ise-Shima Kashikojima where you can spend a wonderful time outside of the ordinary.

Jun-san

At the pottery studio, the third-generation owner, Suigetsu, and his two sons, Jun (the elder brother) and Shio (the younger brother), are busy creating pottery. Banko ware is famous for its earthenware pots and teapots. "Banko ware teapots strike a harmonious balance between ease of use and beauty. While a higher handle position would look better, we place it as low as possible for ease of gripping," says Jun. The clay used in Banko ware is purple clay, which was once abundant in Yokkaichi. After being dried in the sun, Banko ware is fired in a kiln without glaze, and its beauty is characterized by the fine-grained purple luster of the clay, brought out to its limits.

Ms. Shio (right) talking with Chef Tsukahara.

"These are traditional household items made from clay, yet their beautiful forms are also appealing. It's said that Banko ware requires three years of clay preparation and ten years of wheel throwing, but what about in the world of Traditional Japanese?" Ushio asked Chef Tsukahara, to which he replied, "We also have a saying: three years of rice cooking and ten years of seasoning. It's similar, isn't it?" Suigetsu nodded beside him and said, "First, I prepare the clay on the wheel to remove its imperfections, and then I create my work by pouring my own thoughts into it. Clay preparation is a simple but very important process." In addition to teapots that are perfect for everyday use, the three of them are also creating new works that showcase their individual personalities.

From right: Kishiyo-san, Shio-san, and the third generation Suigetsu-san

The pottery of Mr. Suigetsu, with his wife, Kishiyo, a painter, adding her own "mori-e" (raised painting) technique, creates vibrant and popular works. Apparently, about 30 years ago, the technique of painting Banko ware was almost lost, and Kishiyo said, "I was told, 'If you don't carry on the painting, who will?' so I picked up the brush. It's my job to pass on this technique to many people from now on." In addition to creating her own works, Kishiyo also holds painting classes. The sake cups made by Mr. Suigetsu and painted by Kishiyo were used for the toast at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit working dinner, spreading Banko ware to the world. Moving to the gallery, everyone enjoyed a cup of Mizusawa tea brewed by Kishiyo in teaware from the Suigetsu kiln. Smiles spread across everyone's faces. "Purple clay contains iron and other minerals, which absorb the astringency of the tea, resulting in a milder taste. It has had an inseparable relationship with Mizusawa, a tea-producing region, since ancient times," said Mr. Ushio.

We asked Ms. Suigetsu, who has been creating a wide variety of works for many years, about the source of her creativity: "Sensitivity." "Sensitivity can be created. You can hone and cultivate your sensibility by going to many places and seeing many things. It's not something you can immediately express in pottery, but the accumulation of experience becomes your own unique sensibility." Executive Chef Higuchi said, "Seeing beautiful things and talking to many people, and eating various ingredients, leads to many discoveries and learning. In my case it's cooking, but creating a new form from nothing is similar to pottery. As you said, you can't immediately express what you feel as your own. But at a certain moment, you have the feeling that you find the answer from your past experiences."

Finally, Mr. Shio shared something important: "Usually, pottery is named after a place, right? But Banko ware is different; its name comes from the phrase 'Banko Fueki,' which means 'something that never changes.'"
In the words spoken by the professionals at Suigetsu Kiln, I felt an unchanging spirit of "continuing to challenge new things while preserving tradition."