Collaborate with a Korean master! Higher Fire is honored to present Lee Hyang-Koo for a 2-day hands-on workshop. Participants learn Lee’s decorative carving and piercing techniques, skills for which he is internationally renowned.

No pottery wheel experience is necessary, although clay handling experience is a plus. Each student receives a vessel created by Lee Hyang Koo to explore the layout and carving skills needed to make intricate patterns. At the end of the workshop, participants take home their artistic collaboration.

Lee Hyang-Koo is a highly regarded Korean traditional ceramics artist and a Master Potter officially appointed by the city of Icheon, a UNESCO Creative City for ceramics. His career in pottery began in 1969, spanning over 50 years of dedication to the craft. In 2005, he was formally recognized as a ceramic master, a testament to his profound skill and commitment to preserving traditional Korean techniques.

Lee operates the Namyang Doye studio in Icheon, continuing a rich cultural heritage alongside his family. He is known for his mastery of various techniques, including wheel-throwing, double wall carved vessels, inlay, and traditional Korean paintings, with white porcelain moon jars being among his most representative works.

Lee’s work has been featured in a short film, “Icheon Master Hand,” produced by the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) in conjunction with a major 2013 exhibition, showcasing his process and the elegance of his craft.

Day 1 – Throwing the Foundation & Design Planning

• Observe precision pottery wheel techniques to create a double-walled vessel (demo).
• Assemble a two-part vessel with water-tight interior and elegant exterior for carving (demo).
• Receive a vase made by Master Lee to use for learning layout and design.
• Master Lee shows traditional Korean motifs like floral and geometric patterns.
• Begin layout by scaling and repeating designs around the vessel’s circumference.

Day 2 – Carving & Refinement

• Use piercing tools to cut exterior walls without compromising the structure.
• Cut intricate, lace-like patterns in the clay while the piece is leather-hard.
• Refine edges and smooth delicate negative spaces of the pierced patterns.
• Philosophy of disciplined practice when creating carved, light-filled structures.

Tuition includes coffee, tea, breakfast each day, use of specialized carving tools, and bisque firing for one piece.

Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28, 2026, 10am-5pm

Ensure your ticket selection is for the “regular” OR “member” rate.

• $599 – non-member rate
• $529 – studio member discounted rate

Member pricing is the same for regular or firing members.

Workshop takes place at Higher Fire Downtown — 499 S. Market St., San Jose, CA 95113.

Skill: Beginner+

Workshop Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received at least three weeks before the workshop date may receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.

Cancellations received less than three weeks before the workshop date receive a 50% refund, unless we can fill your seat. If we can fill your seat, you may still receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.

There are no refunds for cancellations received less than 72 hours before the workshop.

Please note: You may transfer your ticket to another person at no cost! Please let us know who the new ticket holder will be.

All cancellation and/or transfer requests must be made via email:  classes@higherfirestudios.com

Workshop full? Join our waitlist: