Bizen Nobori Gama kiln at the Joyous Spring Pottery in Monterey, Massachusetts. c. 1988. © By Paul Goldfinger (click on the image to view enlargements of most of our photographs. Use the little arrow at the upper left corner to return)
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net
This outdoor Japanese multi-chambered climbing kiln is from the Joyous Spring Pottery in Monterey, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires. The American potter Michael Marcus had studied as an apprentice in Japan for four years under master potters and kiln makers and he learned how to build his wood-fired kiln which is named after the Japanese town of its origin, where unglazed ware called yaki-shime has been produced for over 1,000 years.
It is constructed out of 10,000 fire-bricks and built on several levels, with a firebox on the bottom and a flue on the top. It is 43 feet long. The potter places all his unfired clay pieces on shelves, and when the kiln is loaded, large amounts of firewood are placed. The firing of the kiln only occurs occasionally, perhaps only once per year, and it is cause for great celebration.
Diagram of the Bizen Nabori Gama kiln named for the Japanese town of its origin. (from the Joyous Spring brochure)
Flame and smoke belch out the chimney (Joyous Spring photo)
Marcus would use 10-12 cords of hardwood to fuel the sustained kiln fire. The firing must be watched 24 hours per day. The interior temperatures reach up to 2,500 degrees F. As Michael Marcus describes it, “It is fired for ten consecutive days and nights until it roars alive in a firestorm of belching smoke and flame. It fires its load of raw, unglazed wares, imparting a spontaneous decoration of running flame and melted ash.” The effects of the molten ash and the fire interacting with the elements of the clay create unusual patterns, colors and textures. When complete, it would take a week to cool down and a week to unload.
Marcus worked as a potter for 25 years and then closed Joyous Spring to pursue his vocation as a chef. Michael Marcus is a skilled Japanese sushi chef and he still has his gourmet restaurant BIZEN in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. See his note to Blogfinger in the comments section below.
Vase by Michael Marcus. Photographed in Eileen Goldfinger’s Ocean Grove garden. Paul Goldfinger photo © Click image to enlarge.
MADAMA BUTTERFLY BY PUCCINI “One Fine Day” Act II, Part 1. Yves Abel conducting.
my name is dan steinke and i am about to finish building a bizen style kiln (1/3 the width of the oringinal size) just need to finish the chimney 20 ft glad to see that someone else has had the same idea.
Michael: I am so pleased that you contacted me. Eileen and I have enjoyed our beautiful vase and the wall mounted flower holder, both of which are on permanent exhibit in our home. Acquiring those pieces was made extra special by visiting your studio and kiln in Monterey. I’m glad that you could correct and expand on our article. I don’t recall where we got the information regarding your health. It’s great that you are running marathons—you must get a lot of comments about fish oils.
Hopefully our post will direct some Googlers your way. I will increase the tags that help draw internet searches. Perhaps we can visit your restaurant and say hello.
All the best, Paul (Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger.net)
Hi Paul
This is Michael Marcus responding to your fine blog and pictorial essay.
Just want to correct some errors and fill people in on the status of Joyous Spring Pottery and Bizen Restaurant.
Firstly, the pottery is in a temporary dormant state while I am cutting sushi and managing a 300 seat restaurant that offers Japanese Tea Ceremony, Kaiseki cuisine and a complete Japanese menu. That may seem an odd choice in career change but I would point out the legendary and traditional connection in Japan with hand made tableware and Japanese cuisine.
The Japanese believe that the taste of the food is in the dishes and in that spirit, my Bizen ceramics have been used for the last 19 years for food presentation as an aesthetic direction and statement. The restaurant itself is based on traditional Japanese interior design and is a relaxing and meditative space.
Secondly, my health has had no influence on my decision to become a chef and build a restaurant. I ran the Hartford Marathon last October(2014) and continue an active sports and conditioning routine while I pursue my love of Japanese culture and share my awareness with those in the community who are interested. It has been a blessing for myself providing so many different directions to grow as a potter and an artist
For those who are interested in more information please contact me at my email:michaelmarcus@bizensushi.com
Thank You
Michael
Marybeth. I heard that Marcus gave it up and was devoting himself to his restaurant, but you can try an internet search and make some calls. There are many listings,but some may be old. Paul
Is the Joyous spring pottery still in existence? Thanks, Marybeth Ketz
Reblogged this on Blogfinger and commented:
This is for those who missed this post in the summer of 2013. It gives me a chance to play Puccini where there is a direct connection.—Paul
This OG golden girl thanks you for the beautiful “One Fine Day.”