New!
Hikedashi Workshop with Aaron Scythe
Description
Hikidashiguro Workshop with Aaron Scythe
📅 Date: September 27, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Location: Clay Talk, Montsalvat
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What is Hikidashiguro?
The term Hikidashiguro comes from the Japanese words:
🔹 Hiku (引く) – "to pull"
🔹 Kuro (黒) – "black" A rough translation would be "pulled-out black."
Hikidashiguro is a striking ceramic technique with an unexpected history. During the Momoyama period in Japan, potters would pull test pieces from the kiln to assess fly ash deposits and temperature in Shino firings. These test pieces, known as Setoguro teabowls, were not originally intended for tea ceremonies but were later embraced by tea masters for their deep black, lustrous surfaces.
The technique was revived in the early 19th century by Kato Tokuro and Arakawa Toyozo, who sought to restore the lost Mino traditions. Aaron Scythe’s teacher, Koie Ryoji, further innovated upon this process, blending Setoguro with American Raku to develop Hikidashiguro—a dynamic fusion of history and contemporary practice.
Today, Hikidashiguro is achieved by applying an ash-based glaze, firing to 1215–1220°C, and pulling the piece from the kiln while still molten. The pots are then post-reduced in saggers or bins filled with combustibles, altering both the clay body and the glaze surface, creating intense blacks, deep reds, and unpredictable surface textures.
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Workshop Overview
🔹 Who is this for? This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced ceramic artists interested in atmospheric firing and alternative glaze techniques.
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Each participant must bring:
✅ Two bisque-fired teabowl forms (approx. 10cm (H) x 11cm (W) or slightly smaller) made from a suitable stoneware clay (consult Clay Talk for recommendations).
✅ Brushes for decoration.
✅ A pottery needle, potter’s rib, and cutting wire.
✅ Hat, sunglasses, water, BYO lunch
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Workshop Schedule Morning Session
🔸 Discussion on Hikidashiguro glazing techniques.
🔸 Surface decoration using iron oxide.
🔸 Application of Setoguro glaze and clear glaze.
🔸 Kiln loading and firing begins.
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While the Kiln is Firing
🔹 Preparation of saggers with combustibles for post-reduction of one teabowl.
🔹 Construction of a gas-and-charcoal post-reduction kiln for the second teabowl.
🔹 Hands-on wheel-throwing session (time permitting).
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Final Stage
🔥 Pots are pulled from the kiln, rapidly cooled, and placed into post-reduction chambers.
🗣 Group discussion on the results, process, and the fascinating world of Hikidashiguro.
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Participant Safety & PPE Requirements Clothing:
⚠️ 100% natural fibers only (cotton, wool, or leather) – NO SYNTHETICS.
👖 Long pants and a long-sleeve jacket or jumper are required when pulling pots from the kiln.
👟 Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
🧣 Hair must be tied back or covered with a bandana.
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Protective Gear Required:
🧤 Leather welder’s gloves will be made available.
🥽 Safety glasses.
😷 Face mask (optional, but advised for those sensitive to smoke and fumes).
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🎟 Limited spots available! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore an ancient technique through a modern lens with Aaron Scythe. Secure your place today!
What you will learn
- Learn all about Hikedashi
- Pack, stack, fire a Raku kiln, decorate pots, make while waiting
- Be enriched PLUS a chance to get your hands in the mud learning from Aaron!
What you will get
- An appreciation for high-fired Raku ware
- Understanding of influences and techniques between the Japanese and American post-modern approach to Raku
- A sense of Aaron's philosophy and approach to clay
What to bring
- Bring your own packed lunch, camera's, notepads
- Bring two bisqued pieces each 10cm H x 11cm W maximum
- Any brushes for decoration, pottery needle, potter’s rib, a cutting wire
What to wear
Fully covered shoes, hat, glasses, smoke mask, leather gloves, no nylon clothing, no long hair, no dresses
Appropriate for
Intermediate- advance Raku firers and Japanophiles
Nestled within Montsalvat—Australia’s oldest continuously active artists' community—our studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists.
In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.
Your Teacher
AARON SCYTHE
CURRICULUM VITAE
BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
1971 Born Auckland, New Zealand
1986 Worked as slipcaster, Halls Industries , Auckland
1988 Studied at Carrington Polytechnic, Craft and Design course
1989 Moved to Sydney, studied at East Sydney Tech Ceramic School, discovered Momoyama
pots.
1993 Worked at Sturt Craft Centre, Mittagong, N.S.W, Australia. Self-directed study. Built and
fired an anagama kiln. Experimented and studied traditional shino glaze.
In that time lived for short periods in Dubbo, NSW, and studied under a Japanese potter. Built
and fired a noborigama kiln
1995 First visit to Japan to further my study of shino.
1996 Studied under professor Koie Ryoiji at his Kamiyahagi studio, working in the Mino style
of pots
1997 Rented studio in Mashiko Japan. Began working in porcelain, Oribe, Kizeto and
Hikidashi techniques. Built second anagama kiln for firing and study of shino glazes.
EXHIBITIONS IN JAPAN:
1999 April: solo exhibition, Space Nico Gallery, Kasama City
1999 April: group exhibition Kyouei Gama Gallery, Tokoname City
1999 August: solo exhibition Moegi gallery, Mashiko Town
1999 September solo exhibition Toko gallery, Mashiko town
1999 September art installation Toko art space, Jonaizaka Mashiko Town
1999 October solo exhibition Shirahagi gallery, Kamakura City
1999 December group exhibition Kyoueigama, Tokoname City
2000 March solo exhibition Kouzuma gallery, Yokohama
2000 April solo exhibition Kofukudo gallery, Shizuoaka city
2000 June solo exhibition Shirahagi gallery, Kamakura City
2000 July solo exhibition Toko gallery, Mashiko Town
2000 July art installation Toko Art Space, Jonaizaka Mashiko town
2001 solo exhibition Kyouei Gama gallery, Tokoname City
2001 February solo exhibition Shinju gallery Tokyo
2001 August solo exhibition Moegi gallery, Mashiko Town
2001 September solo exhibition Toko gallery, Mashiko Town
2001 September art installation Toko Art Space Jonaizaka Mashiko Town
2002 September solo exhibition Kai gallery, Tokyo
2002 September solo exhibition Shirahagi, Kamakura City
2002 October solo exhibition Iwama gallery, Okasaki City
2003 March two person show Toko gallery, Mashiko Town
2003 April solo exhibition Tas Tas gallery, Kanuma City
2003 June solo exhibition Mukuri Gallery, Tokyo2003 September solo exhibition Kai gallery, Tokyo
2003 October solo exhibition Nico gallery, Kasama city
2003 December solo exhibition Shirahagi gallery, Kamakura City
2004 February solo exhibition Akamama gallery, Gunma
2004 May solo exhibition Kyouei Gama gallery, Tokoname City
2004 June solo exhibition Kai gallery, Tokyo
2004 September solo exhibition Moegi gallery, Mashiko Town
2004 November solo exhibition Shirahagi gallery, Kamakura
2005 February solo exhibition Kai gallery, Tokyo
2005 April solo exhibition Ustuwa So So gallery, Ehime Pref
2005 April group exhibition Moegi, Mashiko town
2005 May solo exhibition Kusamusubi gallery, Ustunomiya City
2005 June solo exhibition Shirahagi gallery, Kamakura City
2005 July Two person show Takahashi Saitoh gallery, Ibaragi Pref
2005 September solo exhibition Kyouei Gama gallery, Tokoname
and workshop
2005 October solo exhibition Sai gallery, Koriyama City
2005 November solo exhibition Tas Tas gallery, Kanuma City
2006 Established a permanent kiln and studio at Mashiko.
built 3rd wood fired kiln and experimental charcoal and wood raku kiln
2006 March solo exhibition Shirahagi gallery, Kamakura City
2006 June solo exhibition Kusamusubi gallery, Ustunomiya
2006 September solo exhibition Tougendo gallery, Sendai city
2006 November solo exhibition Tampuso gallery, Utsunomiya city
2007 Established Aaron Scythe Homepage start, supported by Trad meister club,Tokyo
2007 March solo exhibition Tampuso gallery, Utsunomiya
2007 September solo exhibition Kyouei Gama gallery, Tokoname City
2007 November solo exhibition Shu gallery, Hyougo pref
2007 December solo exhibition Tanpuso gallery, Utsunomiya
2008 January solo exhibition Tanpuso gallery, Ustnomiya
2008 April solo exhibition Tampuso gallery, Tokyo
2008 August solo exhibition Moegi gallery, Mashiko Town
2008 September solo exhibition Trad Meister, gallery Tokyo
and web exhibition
2009 February solo exhibition Trad Meister, gallery, Tokyo
and web exhibition
2009 March solo exhibition Tas Tas gallery, Kanuma City
2009 March solo exhibition Shu gallery, Hyougo Pref2009 May solo exhibition Moegi honten gallery, Mashiko Town
and performance art
2009 May solo exhibition Junction city cafe gallery, Tokyo
2009 July solo web exhibition Trad Meister gallery, Tokyo
2009 September solo exhibition Kyouei Gama gallery, Tokoname City
and workshop
2009 November solo exhibition Tanpuso gallery, Utsunomiya
2010 January solo exhibition Tas Tas gallery, Kanuma City
2010 March two person show Ichinokura Sakazuki Museum, Tajimi City
2010 May web exhibition Trade meister gallery, Tokyo
2010 August solo exhibition Moegi gallery, Mashiko Town
2010 October solo exhibition Tougendo gallery, Sendai City
2010 October web exhibitions Trad Meister gallery, Tokyo
2010 November solo exhibition Trad Meister gallery, Tokyo
2011 Returned to New Zealand following the Fukushima meltdown
2011 March solo exhibition Trad Meister gallery, Tokyo
2011 Due to earthquake and meltdown, workshop and 4 shows cancelled
2011 June workshop Auckland Studio Potters Association
2011 September web exhibition Trad Meister gallery
2011 September group exhibition Waikato society of potters
2012 Established studio workshop Te Aroha, began working in terracotta and san cai
glazes
2012 February Guest exhibitor Arts Post gallery, Hamilton, WPA
2012 April web exhibition Trad meister gallery, Tokyo
2012 June 2 person show Trad Meister gallery,Tokyo
2012 November solo exhibition Ichinokura Sakazuki Museum, Tajimi City
2011 November 2 person show Inspirit gallery, Hamilton
2012 solo exhibition Arts Post Gallery, Hamilton
2013 February 2 person show Form gallery, Christchurch
2013 web exhibition Trad Meister gallery, Tokyo
2013 August group exhibition Masterworks Gallery, Auckland
2013 November group exhibition Inspirit gallery, Hamilton
2013 November group exhibition Waikato Museum, Hamilton Waiclay
2014 studio workshop Whanganui
2014 February web exhibition Trad Meister gallery Tokyo
2014 solo exhibition Bread and Butter gallery, Whitianga
2015 February solo exhibition Masterworks gallery, Auckland
2015 February group exhibition Avid gallery, Wellington
2015 March solo exhibition Ichinokura Sakasuki Museum, Tajimi City2015 March solo exhibition Tree object space desire gallery, Whanganui
2015 April workshop Auckland Studio Potters Association
2015 June solo exhibition Form Gallery, Christchurch
2015 Nov workshop Wellington potters
2016 February solo exhibition Avid gallery, Wellington
2016 July workshop Hands on Hawks Bay Conference
2016 July group exhibition Kina Gallery , New Plymouth
2016 Oct web exhibition Trad Meister Gallery ,Tokyo
2017 June Group show Corvi-Mora Gallery , London
2017 July Group show Masterworks , Auckland
2017 Sept Group show Ichinokura Sakazuki Museum ,Tajimi City
2017 Oct Workshop Auckland studio potters
2017 Oct Group show Schaller Gallery , America
2017 Oct Solo show Moegi gallery ,Mashiko
2017 Nov Guest exhibitor Fire and Clay , Pah Homestead , Auckland
2017 Nov Solo show Avid Gallery ,Wellington
2018 March Solo show The Vivian Gallery ,Matakana
2018 May Group show masterworks gallery ( auckland art fair )
2018 June. Group show. masterworks gallery , Auckland
2018 July. Group show Kura , Auckland
2018 Oct. Solo show Masterworks gallery , Auckland
2018 Nov Solo show Ichinokura sakasuki museum , Tajimi Japan
2018 Dec. Solo show The Vivian gallery , Matakana
2019 feb Solo show Form Gallery , Christchurch
2019 April print Solo Show. Weasel gallery , Hamilton
2019 may Auckland art fair Masterworks Gallery , Auckland
2019 nov Solo Show Avid Gallery ,Auckland
2019 nov Group show. Masterworks Gallery ,Auckland
2019 nov Group show. The Stratford Gallery , UK
2019 dec Solo Show The Vivian Gallery , Matakana
2020 Jan Group show Milford Galleries ,Dunedin
2020 Feb Solo Show. The Poi Room , Auckland
2020 July Group Show Milford galleries ,Queenstown
2020 Oct. Group Show. Milford Galleries,Queenstown
2020 Nov Group show Milford Galleries,Queenstown
2021 Jan. Solo Show A Gallery , Whanganui
2021 Feb. Group Show Te Tuhi Art Gallery ,Auckland2021 April Solo Show The Stratford Gallery , UK
2021 Sept Solo Show Avid Gallery , Wellington
2021 Nov Group Show Quiet Dog Gallery , Nelson
2021 Dec Accepted as new member in AIC-ICA
2022 Feb Solo Show Masterworks Gallery, Auckland
2022 Feb Group Show Milford Galleries , Queenstown
2022 Mar Solo Show A Gallery, Whanganui
2022 Nov Solo Show. The Stratford Gallery , UK
2023 Mar 2 person show Form Gallery , Christchurch
2023 Mar Solo Show A Galley, Whanganui
2023 Mar Workshop Nelson, NZ
2023 May Workshop Timaru, NZ
2023 Sep Group Show The Poi Room , Auckland
2023 Nov Solo Show Milford Galleries, Queenstown
2023 Nov Solo Show Avid Gallery , Wellington
2024 Feb Viewing room Cavin-Morris Gallery , NY
2024 Feb. 2 person show. Form Gallery , Christchurch
2024 Mar Solo Show A Gallery , Whanganui
2024 Mar Solo Show Masterworks Gallery, Auckland
2024 Apr Master Clay Gulgong, Gulgong
2024 July Group Show Masterworks Gallery , Auckland
2024 Aug. Viewing room Cavin-Morris Gallery ,NY
2024 Aug Group show. Gallery Lee and Lowe, Sydney
2024 Sep Judge Forsyth Barr ceramic Award, Nelson
2024 Sep Workshop Nelson Clay Week , Nelson
2024 Sep Group show Quiet Dog Gallery , Nelson
2024 Oct Group show Gallery Lee and Lowe , Sydney
2024 Oct Workshop Rotorua Potter Group, Rotorua
2025 Feb Workshop The Dowse Art Museum , Wellington
2025 Feb Solo Show The Poi Room ,Auckland
2025 Feb Group Show 3rd International Philadelphia International Tea-Bowl
Exhibition Philadelphia
2025 Feb Group Show Form Gallery , Christchurch
2025 April Solo Show Gallery Lee and Lowe ,Sydney
2025 April Workshop Kiln Kulture, Sydney
2025 April-June Residency Canberra Potters, Canberra
2025 June Group show Masterworks Gallery , Auckland
2025 July Group show Masterworks Gallery , Auckland2025 August Judge- workshop New Plymouth Potters Club
2025 Aug-Sep Residency- Workshop Driving Creek Pottery , Coromandel
2025 Sep-Oct Residency-workshop Montsalvat Clay Talk , Melbourne
2026 Feb Solo show Masterworks Gallery , Auckland
In Japan: Over a 16 year period I held over 60 solo shows and participated in many group
exhibitions.
I have held workshops and appeared on national television.
I have work in many pottery publications.
My work is held in many private collections throughout New Zealand ,Japan, Europe and America .
Montsalvat Arts Education has an average rating of 4.9 for their other classes.
See other reviewsCancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
To secure your place in a class, course or workshop we require full payment at the time of booking.
Bookings are only accepted through our online portal at www.claytalk.weteachme.com/.
Payment of class, course or workshop fees can only be made through our online portal at www.claytalk.weteachme.com/.
ACCESS TO CLAY TALK & OTHER ART CLASSES
Clay Talk studio is the centre for organising all art courses located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For this reason there are security measures in place to prevent trespassing and maintain your safety. Upon booking you should receive an Information Kit which has instructions on how to access Clay Talk studio and other art studio spaces that pertains to your class.
REFUNDS / ABSENCE / TRANSFERS
- We DO NOT automatically offer refunds or transfers if you change your mind after you have made the booking.
- Our first option will always be to offer a credit note.
- Please be sure you are able to commit to the class, course or workshop dates and times prior to booking.
- If your circumstances have changed BEFORE the class or term starts and cannot commit, we will offer you a refund MINUS the 8% transfer fees incurred to process this of total cost you paid.
- We might be able to offer alternative arrangements if you cannot attend class by contacting us at claytalk@montsalvat.com.au to check if you are eligible within 5 working days of missing your class . Retrospective requests will not be accepted. Studio Access times are NOT make-up classes.
- Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances such as insufficient enrolments. You will be notified prior to the class if cancellation of the class is deemed necessary and a pro-rata refund will be provided.
ILLNESS
In the event that students cannot attend the classes, students must email claytalk@montsalvat.com.au as soon as possible prior to the commencement of the rescheduled class or workshop. If a student is unable to attend the rescheduled classes or workshop Clay Talk may, at its absolute discretion, provide either a credit note or a pro-rata refund (minus an administration fee of 8%).
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gift vouchers are only available through our online portal www.claytalk.weteachme.com/. Gift vouchers can be purchased for a minimum of $20 and are valid for 3 years from purchase. Gift vouchers can be only be used for booking classes, courses and/or workshops at Clay Talk through our online portal. Gift vouchers can be applied at check out when booking a class, course or workshop. Purchased Gift Vouchers through Clay Talk, Montsalvat and We Teach Me cannot be exchanged for cash in return and can only be used to the value of the courses and experiences on offer for the benefit of your artistic pursuit and happiness.
FIRING OF WORK AT CLAY TALK
Most workshops include firing and glazing of a specific number of pieces. Check the workshop listing description on our online platform. Students participating in one-off workshops must label their pieces with the name associated with their booking/ticket.
We take extreme care with your work but accidents do happen and we are unable to guarantee that your work will be successfully fired. Clay Talk takes no responsibility for failure or breakage of work.
Term classes at CLAY TALK:
- Firing of 3kg of finished work per student is included in the term class fee for most clases.
- Students can make and fire more work over this limit however additional charges apply.
- Students must label each of their pieces with their Makers Mark (your Makers Mark is made up of the initials of your first, middle & last name and your class code e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS). No Makers Mark will mean your work will not be fired.
If a kiln shelf is badly damaged from your work due to incorrect glaze type or clay body, you will be charged for the cost of replacing that shelf.
- If your work damages the interior of the kiln, you will be required to pay a fine based on the severity of the damage to be determined by the Clay Talk Studio Coordinator.
COLLECTION OF WORK
- Firing, glazing and packaging of your work takes approximately 2-4 weeks after your class/workshop.
- You will be notified by email when your work is ready for collection.
- Student work must be collected within 1 month of being notified. Students will be notified by email to the email address provided upon booking. If fired work, leftover clay and/or tools are not collected within this time it will be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk Fundraising.