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The moonjar is one of the most iconic pieces of Korean culture. Its origin dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where they were initially produced to store wine or decorate with flowers. Over time, it has become an exclusive piece due to its naturalness, simplicity, and, at the same time, the perfection of its curves.
In this course, the moonjar will be explained step by step. You will learn how to raise the cylinder, control the clay, shape, measurements, trimming, and finishing.
Two types will be worked on: the traditional moonjar made from two parts and the single-piece moonjar.
Your teacher Rubén Mañas will guide you to understand all the processes of moonjar properly.
You will have a unique chance to fully immerse yourself in the practice of wheel throwing, making progress that would be hard to achieve within the noise of everyday life.
By the end of the course you will have the opportunity to choose which piece(s) you would like fired, glazed and shipped to you. As pieces need approximately a week to dry out, this will be done for you once the course has concluded.
Although the course is focused on learning rather than making pieces, you will be able to keep some of the pieces you make:
Rubén Mañas is a ceramicist from Badalona, Spain. He teaches pottery wheel courses and his classes are designed to offer comprehensive and tailored instruction, teaching technique and the importance of proper body posture to optimise the process. His technical approach is based on years of experience and a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of pottery and ceramics.
He began in 2018 at the Escola de Ceràmica de la Bisbal, located in Girona, Spain, where he had the opportunity to learn the basics of the pottery wheel.
However, his quest for excellence did not stop in Spain. In 2023 he travelled to the Republic of Korea, where he had the chance of learning the basics of porcelain to the creation of traditional pieces, focusing on the Moonjar, a distinctive piece that has become his specialty.
This course is right for you if:
We ask that you plan your arrival for Sunday. We have an included pick-up from either Palermo Centre (in front of Hotel Politeama) at 1100 or Palermo Airport at 1200. On Sunday afternoon (circa 1630, subject to change), you will be welcomed to Salemi by one of our team members, who will take you on an orientation walk of the historical centre. This will be followed by a welcome apericena (light dinner) with a Salemi Spritz at one of our favourite local restaurants.
We will bid you farewell at the end of your time in Salemi with an included transfer to either Palermo Airport or Palermo Centre (Piazza Politeama), departing Salemi at 0700 on Saturday morning.
**For pick-ups and drop-offs outside of these times and locations, please contact us for a transfer quote.
This is an intensive learning week! Teaching is primarily group-based with moments of individual feedback built in. Please note this is not one-on-one tuition.
You will be in the studio from Monday at 0900 through to approximately 1700 on Friday afternoon. Studio time is a combination of teaching and non-teaching time. You can expect a typical day to look like this:
0800 - Yoga in the courtyard (optional)
0900 - 1300 - Studio (teaching with a coffee/tea break at 1030 in the courtyard)
1300 - Shared lunch in the courtyard
1400 - 1630 - Free Studio Time - Afternoon studio hours are primarily self-directed practice, with your teacher available in the studio for guidance
1900 - Dinners are a combination of eating at local restaurants, home restaurants, and in-house at the studio
Please note
Our program is carefully designed to balance teaching, practice, meals, and cultural experiences, and we do our best to follow the planned schedule. However, all times and activities are indicative and may shift with the season, the weather, or the needs of the group. Studio sessions, meals, and excursions may be adjusted, rescheduled, or substituted at our discretion. Flexibility is part of the Salemi Ceramics experience, and we believe these small changes often add to the richness of your time with us.
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We want to make Salemi a recognised centre for contemporary ceramic art. Come and be part of it!
