Yuichi Romita Japanese Production pottery Workshop
This course is for intermediate to advanced throwers who can center clay and throw small cups easily.
The workshop is centered around crafting ceramic tableware following the traditional Japanese Karatsu-yaki method. The workshop will be held in English.
The workshop fee is €570. You can pay with ePassi, either in full or in part.
Price includes teaching, clay, tools (students will take home a toolset of Guybera, Tonbo, Kiriito, Nameshigawa, Kanna), slip, bisquit and glaze firing of the final pieces.
All students have their individual wheels during the workshop.
Yuichi Romita, a young potter of Italian-Japanese descent, received traditional training in Karatsu-yaki, a form of wood-fired pottery originating in Karatsu, Japan. Over a span of four years, Yuichi apprenticed under Nakazato Tarouemon, the 14th generation potter of an esteemed lineage dating back to the late 14th century, recognized as a Living National Treasure.
During his time in Karatsu, Yuichi mastered fundamental techniques ranging from handling wild clay to operating the Noborigama wood kiln. His training not only honed his skills as a potter but also instilled in him the philosophical principles and craftsmanship essential to creating exquisite tableware.
Presently based in Malmö, Sweden, Yuichi specializes in crafting unglazed wood-fired tableware tailored for fine dining restaurants and stores across Europe.
Description of the workshop
In this workshop, Yuichi Romita will share his expertise in throwing pottery while also sharing the philosophy passed down by his Japanese mentor from Karatsu. The session will provide an overview of his rigorous training, emphasizing the importance of discipline, repetitive practice, reverence for nature, and the ritualistic connection between food and tableware.
Day 1 /Friday 30. January at 17-20 2026
Preparation of 5/6 kg stoneware clay (using Kikuneri spiral kneading technique).
Presentation of Karatsu tools (Guybera, Tonbo, Kiriito, Nameshigawa, Kanna).
Demonstration of throwing cups quickly, accurately and efficiently.
Students will be practicing throwing cups using the tools demonstrated.
Day 2 /Saturday 31. January at 11-17 2026
Preparing clay and practicing Kikuneri
Demonstration of throwing bowls, plates and pouring vessels using Gyubera.
Creating final pieces to be trimmed next day.
Day 3 /Sunday 1. February at 11-17 2026
Demonstration of trimming with Japanese Kanna tool and Kohiki slip techniques
Students will trim and decorate slip on their pieces.
The final pieces will be ready for pick-up four weeks after the workshop.
The workshop will be held in Billnäs at Keramiikkatyöhuone Nieminen’s studio at Ruukintie 9.
The workshop will fit max. 9 participants. Coffee and tea is included. Saturday and Sunday participants should either bring a lunch with them (there is a kitchen in the studio) or alternatively eat at the restaurant close to studio (Billnäsin Ruukin ravintola).
For staying in Billnäs area during the weekend, there is a hotel and guesthouse in Billnäs (Billnäsin Ruukin hotelli and Eden Billnäs Guesthouse) which are both walking distance from the studio. Karjaa city is 2 km and it has some Airbnb flats for staying and also a hotel Socis. Tammisaari is 20 km and it also has some Airbnb flats and restaurants and cafes.
