Mishima decor
Monday 13th - Thursday 16th October 2025
SUMMARY
“Mishima” is an original, graphic and refined decor technique. By sketch researching then with the creation of a coiled piece, students will discover the pleasure of this engraved decoration, playing with lines and colours.
THE COURSE IN DETAIL
The main objective of the “Mishima” decor course is to understand and acquire this traditional oriental technique through exercises in sampling and manufacturing slips, in order to acquire complete autonomy in the different phases of creation and production of the decor.
Students will create initial samples which will allow them to train, test and, above all, give free rein to students’ imagination in order to open up as many research paths as possible for the creation of a more accomplished piece.
Engrave the clay, fill these furrows at the right time and finally scratch the surface: these different stages require a detailed knowledge of the consistencies of the clay that you will acquire during this workshop.
Jeanne will prompt students to question the relationship between form and decoration. How to understand and implement graphics on a volume piece?
Preparatory drawing work will allow students to develop and deepen their graphic and formal research. After this work of reflection, students will move on to the creation of the final piece using the coil technique.
This slow shaping work will be a good exercise to try to follow students’ initial sketches as much as possible and to understand the dynamics of the shape. Then, moving from the flat surface of the pieces, to the curve of a volume, will be the last step in acquiring the “Mishima” technique.
Jeanne will teach students to adapt their gestures to the shape, following the path of the line: the pleasure of engraving will be followed by the appearance of the decoration.
All of these exercises will also allow students to think about the organisation of their work in different stages between shaping and decoration, in order to best follow their desires and the constraints of the clay.
Course Breakdown
Day 1: Drawing and Experimentation
The first day will begin with Jeanne giving a group presentation on Mishima and how to approach the notion of ceramic decoration.
Students will create tiles ready for the testing of decoration techniques and Jeanne will demonstrate the production of filling slips.
Jeanne will talk to students about graphic research work - the path of the line on a tile, and formal research work - what form for what setting?
Students will create preparatory drawings and then start engraving the tiles.
Day 2: Shaping
Day two will see the start of the coil shaping. Jeanne will give demonstrations and provide support to each student in the creation of their piece.
Jeanne will also guide students in creating the decorations and students will finish the tiles to reveal the decoration – mastering the different stages of drying the Mishima.
Day 3: Shaping continued
Students will continue to create their pieces using the coil shaping technique.
Possibility of carrying out other Mishima tests according to each student's project.
Day 4: Decoration
The final day will involve students finishing their coil shaping and decorating their form: drawing, engraving and filling.
Students will use accelerated drying techniques for smoothing the decor and finally all students will review their work.
FIRING
This will be an intensive making and refining workshop and there will be no specific kiln firing during the week. We will encourage students to make a careful selection of pieces to be bisque fired following the course.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.
Please read our Student Contract here.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
About Jeanne
Jeanne Bonnefoy-Mercuriali graduated as a Ceramicist from The Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués et des Métiers d'Art – Olivier de Serres (Paris), and is now based in La Chapelle-Forainvilliers, Eure et Loir, France. After obtaining a moulder's diploma, Jeanne Bonnefoy-Mercuriali went to Yemen to learn the coil technique from the potters of Sanaa, which she practiced during her stays in Palestine and Oman. It was in this latter country that she began practicing "Mishima" decoration, drawing inspiration from oriental basketry and developing a rich graphic universe. Her creations, playing with the fine line between traditional craftsmanship and sculptural expression, are an incarnation of the places that welcomed her.
THE SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Monday 13th October
Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Tuesday 14th October
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 15th October
On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 4 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 16th October
On the fourth day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
PAYMENT
This cost for this four-day course is £800. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments, a superb two-course lunch every day and a Welcome Breakfast on the first day.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a course, please make sure you read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: Monday 13th - Thursday 16th October 2025
Duration: Four-day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Suitable for those with some experience with clay but not necessarily in coiling, and those with an interest in learning the Mishima technique
Clay type: Stoneware
Cost: £800
“Jeanne Bonnefoy-Mercuriali’s works, on the border between art and crafts, combine traditional inspirations and contemporary forms. ”
