"Chaki" Rimpei Watanabe Solo Ceramics Exhibition @ Gallery tete

About

Gallery tete is proud to present the second solo exhibition of Japanese ceramicist Rimpei Watanabe, following his debut showcase in 2024. This time, the exhibition centres around 'Chaki' — tea vessels — including teapots and katakuchi (spouted bowls), reflecting a deeper exploration into clay and the art of tea. Watanabe's first visit to Hong Kong left a lasting impression: the city's vibrant energy, the everyday ritual of yum cha, and the warmth of tea gatherings. A year and a half later, these memories have quietly shaped this new body of work. What makes his pieces so compelling is the undeniable presence of the clay itself — thick, rounded forms bearing the subtle traces of the maker's hands. Each piece, transformed through firing, carries its own distinct character and personality. This weight is not merely physical. It is the sense of calm when held in your hands, the warmth that travels through as hot water is poured, the gradual shift in sheen and colour with use — objects that seem to hold time still. Trust in the clay. Surrender to the kiln. No over-refinement. This quiet, honest approach radiates something rare within its simplicity. Beyond its Japanese roots, this exhibition reaches across to Hong Kong's own tea culture. Each expressive, one-of-a-kind piece invites you to come in person — to feel its weight, its warmth, and to find a place for it in your everyday life.