After touring the Blue House in Wanchai, I walked around the neighbourhood. At the corner of a back street filled with auto repair shops, a red dress displayed outside of a small store caught my eyes. A kimono was also on displayed in front of the entrance.
There was a Japanese ceramic exhibition which was organised by Japanese consulate in HK. I went in and met Bungo Okuda, the ceramic artist.
Bungo Okuda, 5th generation Okuda is crafting ceramics pieces using the same traditional techniques his ancestors. I was told that his great and great grandfather, Bangoro Okuda opened a climbing kiln on a sloping street in 1862.
Today, he carries on the tradition and crafts many daily use ceramics. At the exhibition, plates, bowls, and cups with black & gold metallic like finish were on the display. I was very much impressed by quality of craftsmanship and bought two tea cups.
Here is a photo with Bungo Okura. He welcomed me to visit his kiln located in Shiga, Japan. Here is a link to his website 文五郎倉庫 Warehouse Bangoro.
Outside of the exhibition, it was a completely difference world. A truck driver taking a afternoon nap. An old dog, dosing off in front of a bike store. Auto repair store filled with junks just opposite to the exhibition. Looking up, you can see clothing hanging out from the windows. Along side the narrow streets, two construction workers were talking loudly about their bets in the next horse race …
Hong Kong is a city full of contrast. It is what made this place unique. It’s full of opportunities that you never know what is waiting out there for you to capture.
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