May, 2014

Chanoyu: A solo exhibition for Masanobu Ando

May 31st, 2014

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Thursday night we hosted our second solo exhibition with Japanese potter Masanobu Ando. We were very happy to see so many familiar faces coming to greet Mr. Ando again during his second visit. Thank you very much for making him feel at home.

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One of the only sculptures in the exhibition, a “box of air”.

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During the exhibition we had a focus on Tea Ceremony tools, and the center of the Tea Ceremony is the Chawan or Tea Bowl.

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A tea whisk stand, and cloth holder.

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I really love these silver glazed ceramic trays, and wanted one for myself but alas they sold right away.

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A torch shaped wall vase, such a symbol for humanity it’s something every ancient society has in common.

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Maybe some of our favourite pieces in the show are these large scale wall-mounted flower vases.

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Flower plates.

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A “Coffee Ceremony” Chabako. All of the beautiful implements fit in the gorgeous bamboo basket below.

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A specially made Tea box with objects made or commissioned by Mr. Ando. Sorry this also sold right away.

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For a limited time, full sets of coffee cups!

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A unique Mizusashi with a geometric handle (a water jar used in the Tea Ceremony).

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Amazing ceramic pedestals for serving food or display.

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A special edition of the coffee funnel in a silver glaze.

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Mr. Ando performed a special Tea Ceremony in our front window. People crowded around him from the inside and wrapped all around the front window. It was quite the spectacle, I wish I took some pictures! If you have any, please send some to me.

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A close up of some of the special Tea Utensils, I’m sorry none of these are for sale.

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Please let us know if you see anything you might be interested in.

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Masanobu Ando: Solo Exhibition

May 21st, 2014

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We are really excited to announce our second exhibition for Japanese potter and Tea Master Masanobu Ando. For this exhibition we are diving further into our exploration of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. We will be offering Tea Ceremony tools made by Masanobu Ando, considered the highest level of expression in his work, as well as a large collection of unique ceramics for the home.

The opening reception will be held Thursday May 29th, and Masanobu Ando will be hosting a public Tea Ceremony for our visitors.

Above: One of the unique Tea bowls made especially for the exhibition.

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A wall mounted flower vase.

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A silver glazed coffee funnel.

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One of our favorite pieces, a beautiful black and iron glazed footed bowl.

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A silver glazed milk pitcher.

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We will also be selling a special Chabako (Traveling tea box) put together by Masanobu Ando commissioning work from some of the most renowned artisans in Japan. It is a really special collection for anyone interested in learning Chad?.

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We hope to see you next week!

 

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Howell Paul Baker

May 18th, 2014

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Things have been quiet on the blog lately and with (I assume) good reason. Introducing Howell Paul Baker, born on April 25, 2014 at 7 Ibs 2 oz. We’ve been spending the last three weeks getting to know him, and he’s the sweetest little guy.

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On the left, about an hour old. On the right, two days old. It’s been interesting becoming reacquainted with the ways of a newborn! It’s definitely more enjoyable this time around, though I can’t say the toddler anxiety is!

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Elodie and baby brother Howell.

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Daddy and Howell. [This pic is by our friend Taylor Shute.]

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Mama and Howell.

 

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This week we also went to High Park to see the cherry blossoms, though they weren’t quite in full bloom. But with two little kids now we take what we can get!

Elodie is ready to explore!

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Annual cherry blossom kid pic, now with more kid.

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Hanging at the duck pond.

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