For many of us, the idea of pottery drums up the scene from 1990 movie Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. But for Faye Wang, co-founder of MaJiang Studio, it’s the ultimate way to relax and explore your creativity all in one. And for most of us, the novelty of crafting with our hands never gets old. There’s just something oddly soothing about getting your hands dirty to create a piece of art, no matter what it ends up looking like.
MaJiang Studio offers group and individual classes, but for those who just want to unwind and disconnect from the world for a bit, their studio is open daily from 10.30am to 9pm and if there’s a free seat in the studio, you’re welcome to stay and make pottery for as long as you want.
Pottery is one of the oldest human inventions, dating back to the Neolithic period. Its influence is present in the history of countries around the world. In the Czech Republic, Venus of Dolní Věstonice figurines that date back to 29,000 to 25,000 BC were discovered, and pottery vessels that date back to 18,000 BC were found in Jiangxi, China. It’s one of the oldest forms of art that’s survived the test of time and while our ancestors made them for daily practical uses, today we work with clay to push the boundaries of our imagination.
For Wang, pottery isn’t just for grown-ups. They’re great weekend activities for parents who want to spend two quiet hours with their kids in a creative and constructive environment. “All kids love to destroy and create. The pottery class teaches kids how to create following their imagination, destroy the bad one, and make a better one. The kids enjoy making unique pottery pieces. In fact, most adults who come to learn how to make pottery for the first time feel that it’s very difficult, but for children as young as five, making pottery is simple because they follow their imagination. But the main purpose of a pottery class is to relax. The children can relax much easier than adults so they can make pottery better than adults.” Wang tells beijingkids.
With a love for pottery and art that started at a young age, Wang and her husband hope to share their passion with young Beijingers though MaJiang Studio. MaJiang studio encourages pottery as a group activity so the more people you bring the cheaper it’ll be.
To get in touch with Wang for more information on pottery or to make an appointment, call 186 1061 0957 or scan the QR code below.
Ages 5+
One person: RMB 189 per person
Two people: RMB 174 per person
Three people: RMB 165 per person
Four people: RMB 158 per person
Group (of 5 or more people): RMB 150 per person
JianNanghuafu ，No.10 建邦华府10号楼
Daily 10am-10pm
153 2192 0601, 186 1061 0957, WeChat: fei057142
Photos: unsplash, giphy, Faye Wang
