Hello! My name is Takezawa, and I am the owner of UTSUWABI a store that sells ceramics.
Today, I would like to introduce the Field of Craft Kurashiki.
Although the event has been cancelled since last year, I would like to share my experience of going there in the past and how to enjoy the event, as well as recommend some popular artists.
The craft fair is held in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, so it may be difficult to get there from the Kanto region, but it is worth the trip!
I was surprised at the high level of artists, as if to say that Kurashiki has a long history of handicrafts.
Reference: Field of Craft Kurashiki official websiteSince you can see the fair in about half a day, you can enjoy sightseeing in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter on your way back home.
If this is your first visit, you will surely have a good memory of this event as you can enjoy the historical streets of Kurashiki and the craft fair.
Field of Craft Kurashiki Overview
This craft fair has been held in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture since 2006, and this year will be the 14th.
Reference: Field of Craft Kurashiki official website
-Date, time and place of the event
Date : (Cancelled) Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16, 2021
Time : 10:00 - 17:00 (until 16:30 on the last day) (Workshop: morning session 10:00 - 12:00 / afternoon session 13:00 - 16:00)
Venue : Plaza in front of the Kurashiki Geibunkan
The exhibition is characterized by its emphasis on the production process and the background from which the works were created. In addition to exhibiting and selling works, visitors can fully enjoy the appeal of craftsmanship while interacting freely with others through demonstrations of use and workshops.
Recommended Writers
We have picked up some familiar exhibitors at Field of Crafts Kurashiki, as well as those who are exhibiting for the first time this year! Some of them are artists we carry in our store, so if you are interested in their works, please take a look at their pages as well.
Kohei Okizawa
Kohei Okizawa creates many glass works with beautiful silhouettes and high transparency.
There are many glass vessels, but it is rare to find a glass vessel with a moist and sexy atmosphere like Mr. Okizawa's.
Yuki Ando
I love trees! says Yuki Ando.
Each item is carefully crafted, valuing the individuality of the wood, and you can directly feel the meticulous handiwork. These are tools for daily life that you will want to use for a long time while enjoying the changes over time.
Yoshiki Ichino
He creates pieces that are both old and new, such as “Iro Anan Te,” which incorporates the Vietnamese technique of Anan Te.
The antique-like flavor of these vessels, with their texture, will make you feel as if they have been there for a long time, from the day you first use them.
Abe Yuki
Yuki Abe says that her pottery is made with an emphasis on the interesting shapes, textures, and patterns created by the clay moving on its own.
She also produces vessels with hand-painted patterns such as circles and dots, as well as delicate yet soft accessories.
Nobue Ibaraki
She produces vessels and pitchers with blue motifs. Nobue Ibaraki's vessels have a somewhat Western atmosphere while retaining the texture of clay.
The materials used in her work give it a sense of presence, and its calm and serene texture is sure to add color to your life.
Motoharu Ozawa
Ozawa's jade glazed vessels, which can be said to be his masterpieces, have an appealing color that changes its expression depending on the angle of view and the degree of glaze applied, such as blue or green.
Other attractive vessels include bronze, pale yellow, and iron-red glazed vessels that are neither too simple nor too inorganic, and whose exquisite coloring enhances the color of the food.
Seiko Obara
She produces accessories and objets d'art mainly using brass as a material.
The brass subtly enhances the individuality of the folk art-like pieces.
Yuko Sako
He produces glass works such as vases and bowls in Gifu Prefecture.
Among them, hydroponic pots are very popular. Sako himself is an ardent hydroponics enthusiast.
Please enjoy his unique handmade glassware, which can be used as both interior decorations and vases.
Momoko Sato
Gentle feminine brush strokes, rounded shapes, and motifs of blue flowers and grasses.
Momoko Sato, who says she likes early Imari and other pottery with generosity, says her works have an antique-like atmosphere with their subdued Kuresu coloring and a warmth that envelops you with tenderness.
TAKUSHI Tokahe
Mr. Takashi Sogo creates both clay and white porcelain vessels. His “kohiki” (clay with a texture of clay) and his “shiro porcelain” (white porcelain with a beautiful minimalist simplicity) are both beautiful and amazing.
It is rare to find an artist who works in both fields. The dishes are modern, yet handmade with a sense of warmth.
TANAI Shouhiro
The thick glass works are characterized by a nostalgic feeling.
The beautiful glass is unique, yet easy to match with various scenes, and will be a casual companion in your daily life.
Tazuruhama Morito Yuka
He creates simple yet strong pieces that give a sense of the power of the rugged clay.
The dishes may look difficult to make, but if you use them, you can feel the charm of such vessels that will enhance any dish.
Daiki Tanaka
The beautiful silhouette and glass-like texture of the glaze are fascinating.
The texture of the ceramics and the shades of color seen in the pools of glaze are captivating. All of the dishes seem to go well with Japanese sweets and food.
Jun Kakuda
The glossy white porcelain is not too pure white, which is a characteristic of Jun Tsunoda's work.
The slightly grayish white color creates a peaceful space. The simple-looking yet creative shape is a result of his detailed handiwork.
So Terui
So Terui is an artist who makes pottery in Arita. The raw materials used are the same as those used for traditional Arita porcelain.
Each white porcelain vessel is handmade, and the small distortions and bumps in the porcelain look pleasant when used.
The colors have a matte, warm texture. The blue line engraved series has a modern yet tasteful rustic pattern of thin blue lines and white.
Matsubara Ryoma
He creates works in Oita using a technique called slipware, in which patterns and colors are applied to vessels.
Ryoma Matsubara's work is artistic and cool. His slipware looks bold and complementary, and the more you use it, the more you will love it.
Food and Beverage Booth
A variety of food & drinks full of attention. They are of high quality in both appearance and taste!
The best part is that many of the menu items are made with ingredients from Okayama Prefecture and can only be tasted there.
You can sit back, relax, and eat in the park.
Karaage bento by Kitchen Horiguchi (Saturday only)
Spiced curry by SATISFACTION CURRY & CAFE
Reference: Field of Crafts Kurashiki Restaurant List PageCafe Latte by EXCAFE
Reference: Field of Crafts Kurashiki Restaurant List Pageand more.
The event will be crowded from the morning, so if there is a store you are interested in, please come early!
Please note that some stores will not be open on both days.
workshop
The event is always very busy, and the variety of items is diverse, including woodwork, glass, and metal.
All are authentic and practical, and it is nice to be able to take them home.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and it is impressive to see both children and adults enjoying themselves enthusiastically.
Reference: Field of Craft Kurashiki official websiteThis is a pottery workshop where you can make vessels from clay, a particularly popular activity among repeat customers.
The glazing and firing process is left to the teacher. We can hardly wait for their arrival in about two months.
At first glance, it may seem difficult, but once you actually experience it, you will be captivated by the fun of handcrafting. Only at a craft fair can you participate in such a casual way.
Access
The venue is the plaza in front of the Kurashiki Geibunkan.
It is a short walk to the venue, but it is also fun to stroll around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where you can see the historic townscape with its old-fashioned white walls and houses.
The main access methods are as follows
By train
15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station
By bus
Take Ryobi Bus: Kurashiki Yoshioka Line or Kurashiki Loop Line, get on at “Kurashiki Ekimae” → short walk from “Chuo 2-chome” bus stop.
Shimoden Bus: Take Shio Line, AEON MALL Kurashiki Line, etc. and get off at “Chuo 2-chome Kurashiki Geibunkan”.
By car
Approximately 20 minutes from Kurashiki I.C. (Sanyo Expressway)
Approximately 20 minutes from Hayashima I.C. (Seto-Chuo Expressway)
If you are coming by car, please use the nearby toll parking lot or take the free shuttle bus. (*The shuttle bus will operate only on Sundays during the exhibition period.)
The Kurashiki City Hall indoor parking lot, etc. will be open to the public, and a free shuttle bus will operate from the City Hall to the Bikan Historical Area.
For details, please check the official Kurashiki City Tourism website.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
Kurashiki Mingeikan
If you go to a craft fair, why not take a look at the history of folk art?
Kurashiki is famous for knotting (a kind of cushion used on chairs), and the city has a deep connection with folk art.
The exterior of the museum has white walls and black tiles, and inside the museum are exhibited folk art items collected from all over the world, such as pottery, dyed fabrics, glass, baskets, etc. When I visited, there were no visitors at all.
When I went there, there were no visitors at all. But if you like Mingeikan and folk art, you will love this place.
Location: 1-4-11 Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0046
Hours: (March-November) 9:00-17:00 (reception closes at 16:45)
(December - February) 9:00 - 16:15 (closing at 16:00)
Holidays: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: Adults 700 yen / Students (large and high school) 400 yen, (junior high and elementary school) 300 yen
TEL: 086-422-1637
Access: approx. 15 min. walk from JR Kurashiki Station, no parking lot
Official site:http://kurashiki-mingeikan.com/
Kurashiki Design Ativranch
Hayashi Genjuro Shoten, a Kurashiki landmark.
If you are going to the Bikan Historical Quarter, go to “Hayashi Genjuro Shoten,” a complex of unique stores with an atmospheric appearance.
Then, we recommend a stop at the “Kurashiki Design Achibranch” located inside!
You will find all kinds of miscellaneous goods such as animal-shaped plates, stationery, masking tapes and stoles that originated in Kurashiki, which will stimulate your shopping desires.
Location: 2-23-10 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 710-0055 (1st floor of Hayashi Genjuro Shoten)
TEL: 086-441-7710
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the holiday is moved to Tuesday)
Access: 15-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Kurashiki Station *If you are coming by car, please use a nearby toll parking lot as there is no dedicated parking lot.
Official site:http://www.classiky.co.jp/
summary
There is a lot to enjoy at Field of Crafts Kurashiki alone! There are also many attractive spots in the surrounding area, so why not take this opportunity to enjoy Kurashiki?
I really enjoyed Kurashiki. I want to go back.
Our store is based on the concept of “Enjoy a pottery market from the comfort of your own home. We sell and deal with artists we think are “the best” from pottery fairs and craft fairs all over the country, based on the concept of “enjoying pottery fairs at home. We are selling works by artists we met at the Field of Crafts Kurashiki.
There are many artists whose works we met at Field of Crafts Kurashiki, so please take a peek if you like.
（Takezawa, owner of UTSUWABI)