Stream Pottery Masterclasses from Kyoto
Join Tobi Craft Studio's vibrant online community and immerse yourself in the timeless art of ceramics. Learn authentic Japanese pottery techniques from seasoned masters, all from the comfort of your home, anytime, anywhere.
Start Your Free TrialDiscover the soul of craftsmanship, tradition, and artistry that defines Tobi Craft Studio.
Nestled in the culturally rich and historic Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto, a city renowned for its profound artistic heritage, Tobi Craft Studio stands as a dedicated sanctuary for ceramic artistry. For many generations, our studio has been more than just a place of creation; it has been a vibrant hub where ancient traditions meet contemporary passion, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of pottery. We are meticulously committed to preserving the intricate techniques and the philosophical essence of Japanese pottery, an art form that embodies beauty, utility, and a connection to nature.
Our legacy is built upon the skilled hands and dedicated hearts of artisans who have passed down their knowledge through years of practice and teaching. We believe that pottery is a journey of discovery, a meditative practice that allows for profound self-expression. The clay itself, sourced with respect for the earth, tells a story, and our role is to guide students in shaping their own narratives through it. From the careful selection of materials to the final, transformative firing process, every step is imbued with intention and a respect for the craft's history.
Our core mission extends beyond the walls of our Kyoto studio. We aspire to make the profound and beautiful art of Japanese pottery accessible and engaging for enthusiasts across the globe. Through our meticulously designed online workshops and streaming content, we aim to bridge distances, allowing you to learn directly from our master artisans, absorb their wisdom, and cultivate your own unique creative expression. We believe that everyone holds an inner artisan waiting to be awakened, and our platform is designed to nurture that potential.
All our primary instruction is delivered in English, ensuring we can connect with a diverse international audience, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you are taking your very first steps into the world of clay or are an experienced potter seeking to deepen your understanding of Japanese techniques, Tobi Craft Studio Online provides a supportive, inspiring, and comprehensive learning environment. Join us to explore the rich tapestry of ceramic art, and let us guide you in transforming simple earth into objects of lasting beauty and personal significance.
Explore a comprehensive and ever-expanding library of high-definition video lessons, covering everything from foundational pottery skills to advanced artistic expressions and traditional Japanese ceramic arts. Each course is designed to be engaging, informative, and inspiring.
Embark on your journey with the potter's wheel. Our detailed modules will guide you through the fundamental techniques of centering clay, confidently pulling up walls, and skillfully shaping a variety of classic forms such as elegant cylinders, versatile bowls, and perfectly flat plates. You'll learn to control the clay and wheel in harmony.
Unleash your creativity without the wheel. Discover the remarkable versatility and artistic freedom of hand-building. We cover essential methods like forming expressive pinch pots, constructing intricate coil-built vessels, and designing functional or sculptural pieces using slab construction. Perfect for creating truly unique items.
Transform your bisque-fired pieces into stunning works of art. This comprehensive series delves into the world of glazes, exploring different glaze types, precise application methods, and a multitude of decorative techniques. Master skills like sgraffito, Mishima inlay, wax resist, and various brushwork styles to add unique character to your ceramics.
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Japanese ceramics. Delve deeply into iconic and revered Japanese pottery styles such as the unpredictable beauty of Raku, the warm, rustic charm of Shino, and the bold, artistic expressions of Oribe ware. You'll understand their historical significance and the specific techniques for their creation.
Our highly experienced and dedicated instructors are not just teachers; they are lifelong practitioners of ceramic art, deeply passionate about sharing their profound knowledge and guiding you meticulously on your creative pottery journey.
Head Potter & Wheel Throwing Specialist
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Kenji-sensei is a revered master of the pottery wheel. He is widely acclaimed for his exceptionally elegant forms, the breathtaking precision of his technique, and his deep understanding of clay's responsive nature. Kenji-sensei specializes in traditional Kyoto-style ceramics (Kyo-yaki), gracefully blending historical reverence with subtle modern sensibilities. His patient and insightful teaching style has inspired countless students to achieve new heights in their wheel-throwing practice.
Hand-Building & Glazing Expert
Yumi-sensei masterfully infuses a vibrant, contemporary flair into traditional hand-building methodologies, encouraging students to explore organic shapes and expressive textures. Her profound expertise in glaze chemistry and innovative application techniques results in stunning, unique surface finishes that captivate the eye. Yumi-sensei is passionate about demystifying the science behind glazes, empowering students to experiment and develop their own signature palettes and textural effects, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Sculptural Ceramics & Raku Firing
Haruto-sensei fearlessly explores the boundless sculptural possibilities inherent in clay, constantly pushing artistic boundaries while deeply honoring the ancient and often unpredictable Raku firing traditions. His workshops are celebrated for being both intellectually challenging and profoundly inspiring, encouraging students to think beyond functional pottery. Haruto-sensei guides participants through the dramatic and transformative Raku process, fostering an appreciation for its unique aesthetic and philosophical underpinnings.
Unlock a world of ceramic artistry with unparalleled access, expert guidance, and a supportive global community. Here's how we empower your creative journey:
Enjoy unrestricted access to our extensive library of hundreds of high-definition video lessons. Stream on any device, whether desktop, tablet, or mobile, anytime, anywhere that inspiration strikes. Plus, we continually enrich your learning experience with fresh, new content added every month.
Learn directly from the source. Our instructors are renowned Japanese potters based in Kyoto, each possessing decades of invaluable hands-on experience, profound artistic insight, and a genuine passion for sharing the cultural heritage of their craft.
Our lessons are meticulously structured to provide clear, concise, and detailed instructions. They are perfectly suitable for all skill levels, from absolute beginners taking their first tentative steps with clay to advanced potters seeking to refine specific techniques or explore new artistic avenues.
You're not alone on this creative path! Connect with a vibrant and encouraging group of fellow pottery enthusiasts from around the world. Share your progress, ask questions, get constructive feedback, and find inspiration in our exclusive members-only online forum.
Enhance your learning with a wealth of supplementary materials. Gain access to downloadable technique guides, carefully tested glaze recipes, printable project templates, equipment recommendations, and much more to support your offline practice and experimentation.
Life is busy, and creativity flourishes with flexibility. Our platform allows you to pause, rewind, and rewatch lessons as many times as you need to fully grasp and master each skill and concept, ensuring a comfortable and effective learning experience tailored to your schedule.
Select a subscription plan that perfectly fits your learning aspirations and budget. Every plan begins with a complimentary 7-day free trial, so you can explore our offerings risk-free.
$29 /month
Flexibility to learn and grow, month by month.
$290 /year
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All plans come with a 7-day free trial. Not completely satisfied? You can easily cancel before your trial period ends and you won't be charged a single yen.
Hear directly from our students who have transformed their passion for pottery into tangible skills and beautiful creations with Tobi Craft Studio's online guidance.
California, USA
"Tobi Craft Studio's online classes are an absolute game-changer! I've learned so much from Kenji-sensei's patient and clear instruction. The video quality is excellent, making it easy to see every detail, and the step-by-step approach is perfect. My wheel throwing has improved immensely. Highly recommended!"
London, UK
"As someone completely new to pottery, I was initially quite intimidated. However, Yumi-sensei's hand-building course made it so accessible, engaging, and genuinely fun. The community forum is also a fantastic resource for getting tips and sharing creations. I've already made pieces I'm proud of!"
Singapore
"The depth of knowledge shared by the instructors is incredible. I've been practicing pottery for several years, and I'm still learning new techniques and nuances from Haruto-sensei's advanced workshops on Raku and sculptural forms. The Kyoto connection and authentic Japanese insights are truly special and invaluable."
Osaka, Japan
"Even though I live relatively close to Kyoto, the online classes offer such convenience. The English instruction is very clear, and I appreciate learning alongside an international community. The quality of teaching is as high as any in-person workshop. The focus on traditional Japanese aesthetics is wonderful."
Paris, France
"I've always dreamed of learning Japanese pottery. Tobi Craft Studio Online has made this dream a reality! The instructors are true masters, and the platform is very user-friendly. I particularly enjoy the glazing modules – so many beautiful techniques to explore. C'est magnifique!"
We've compiled answers to some of the most common questions our prospective students ask. If you don't find your answer here, please feel free to reach out to our support team.
Join thousands of aspiring potters and seasoned artists who are discovering the joy of ceramics with Tobi Craft Studio. Your journey into the heart of Japanese pottery traditions begins now. Your first 7 days of exploration are completely on us.
Sign Up & Start Your Free TrialWelcome to the website of Tobi Craft Studio. By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use this website.
This website provides information about Tobi Craft Studio's services, including the production of handmade ceramic vases, custom pottery design and creation, pottery workshops and classes, retail sales of finished products, wholesale distribution, glazing and firing services, and restoration and repair of ceramic items. The site may also facilitate inquiries, bookings, and purchases related to these services.
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Tobi Craft Studio
3-12-5
Gojo Dori,
Higashiyama Ward,
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture,
605-0905
Japan
While our online streaming service connects us globally, our heart remains in Kyoto. For inquiries about our physical studio, potential custom commissions, wholesale opportunities, or other matters not directly related to online subscriptions, please feel free to reach out. We cherish every connection.
Tobi Craft Studio
3-12-5 Gojo Dori, Higashiyama Ward
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0905
Japan
While we focus on online offerings, studio visits or consultations are sometimes possible by prior appointment. Please contact us to inquire.