#Japan #Ceramics #Kanazawa #Barbapapa #National Craft Museum

Celebrating 55 Years of Barbapapa

On August 10th, a remarkable event took place at the National Craft Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, where a special collaboration workshop titled "Embracing Thoughts through Pottery" was held. This initiative was organized by Styling Life Holdings Plaza Style Company in partnership with the National Craft Museum and the National Art Research Center. This workshop beautifully intertwined the enchanting world of Barbapapa, a character born from clay, with the traditional craft of pottery, marking both the 55th anniversary of Barbapapa's creation and the fifth anniversary of the museum's relocation from Tokyo to Kanazawa.

The Charm of Barbapapa

Barbapapa first appeared as a beloved character in French children's literature in 1970. Legend holds that its conception arose from a serendipitous encounter between mathematician Talus Taylor and architect Annette Tison at a café, leading to a lighthearted sketch that captured the imagination of children worldwide. Barbapapa, with its ability to transform into all sorts of shapes, has delighted audiences in over 40 countries, accompanied by its wonderful family of seven unique children along with the caring Barbamama. The stories emphasize themes of love for family, friends, animals, and the Earth, infused with humor that sparks creativity in its readers of all ages. Official Website

Workshop Experience

The workshop welcomed 32 elementary school students, who were guided by renowned potter, Shozaemon Ohi, the 11th generation head of the Ohi pottery family and a recent member of the Japan Art Academy. To begin, the children partook in a moment of quiet reflection to contemplate their loved ones before engaging with the clay. This was not simply a playful interaction with the material; it was a reminder of the bond between nature and humanity within our shared cycle.

As they molded the clay, students split 1kg of clay in half, dedicating the first session to creating tea bowls, a process that proved challenging for some. Yet, through tactile exploration and determination, they shaped unique bowls, each radiating warmth and personal expression, despite their irregular forms.

During the second part of the workshop, creativity shone as children ventured to create additional tea bowls, animal figurines, or vibrant designs. The time spent with the clay elicited genuine smiles, leaving the venue filled with excitement once completed.

The pottery used in this workshop was not standard modeling clay but a special, damp clay designed for ceramics. This unique material allowed the children to relish the experience of shaping their visions and connecting their thoughts, making it a memorable day of both creativity and kindness, symbolizing thinking of others while creating something beautiful.

About the National Craft Museum

The National Craft Museum, opened in 1977, originally started as the National Museum of Modern Art's Craft Pavilion in Tokyo's Kitanomaru Park. Over its 45-year history, it has uniquely contributed to the recognition and development of craft and design culture in Japan.

Since relocating to Kanazawa in 2020, the museum has successfully broadened its collection, preserving and researching various forms, while hosting exhibitions and learning programs designed to showcase the evolving charm of craft and design. Official Website

Instructor Profile: Shozaemon Ohi

Born in 1958 as the eldest son of the Ohi family, which has been making tea ceramics since the Edo period, Shozaemon Ohi graduated from Boston University in 1985. He became the 11th generation Ohi in 2016 and joined the Japan Art Academy in 2025. In addition to passing on Ohi's pottery tradition, he engages in various artistic and design endeavors, including contributions to Toyota showrooms and Milan Design Week. Shozaemon is a visiting professor at Kanazawa University and has received several prestigious awards, including the Good Design Award and the Hungarian State Order.

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The collaboration of Barbapapa with such an artistic tradition highlights the importance of creativity and emotional connections, making this event not just a workshop, but a memorable experience for the children - one they will cherish.