AN INVITATION. The 10th Annual Yunomi Invitational was held at the end of October in Saint Paul, Minn. Among the 30-plus ceramicists who shared their interpretations on the handleless Japanese cup, was three Eau Claire ceramicists: Lu Markquart, Dan Ingersoll and David Caradori. (All photos submitted by Dan Ingersoll)

Most won’t know what a yunomi is by name alone. Traditionally, the yunomi is a small, handleless, everyday Japanese cup used for drinking tea or other ceremonial beverages.

Here in the Chippewa Valley, a trio of ceramic artists has drawn inspiration from the traditional form as they – alongside dozens of fellow Midwestern potters – invite folks into the quiet morning rituals surrounding these cups.

The 10th Annual Yunomi Invitational was held near the end of October in Saint Paul, Minn. at the Raymond Avenue Gallery. Here is where Lu Markquart, Dan Ingersoll and David Caradori came together among 30-plus ceramicists to showcase their own take on the form.

Though all three maintain distinct accolades and gallery exhibitions throughout the Chippewa Valley, a closer look reveals clear parallels between their thrown structures, intricate carvings, glaze palettes and wood-firing methods.

“The slower pace and mindfulness (is) something I wish we found more of in our day to day culture.”

Lu markquart

ceramicist, lupine pottery

It was Caradori who helped bring everyone together; he continues to draw on a longtime collaboration with Ingersoll while stepping into a mentor-type role for Markquart here in Eau Claire.

“The idea of this show is to promote functional art in everyday use, which will sustain the business by providing a purpose that enhances everyday life,” Caradori said. “My main motivation is to get a chance to hang out with fellow potters after 42 years in this business.”

Clay has long been Caradori's vocation, earning him recognition within the regional ceramics community, Ingersoll noted. After joining the show several years back, he recommended Ingersoll when Kraig Thayer Rasmussen – the Raymond Avenue Gallery curator – sought additional artists to widen its art pool.

Ingersoll was was thrilled to receive an invitation. Three years later, he notes “It's still a visual feast to walk into a room with walls filled with 800 yonomi-inspired cups made by 40 different artists.”

“It is rare to find such a collection in one place,” Ingersoll continued.

Inside the intimate Saint Paul gallery this year, yunomi pieces lined the room from floor to ceiling for the 10-year anniversary event, the trio said.

A yunomi cup made by Lu Markquart of Lupine Pottery, pictured above. A signature of Lu's ceramic work this year has been their floral carvings.

This environment, in turn, further emphasized the personal relationship these distinctive vessels offer to those who hold them.

“The slower pace and mindfulness (is) something I wish we found more of in our day to day culture,” Markquart said. “Using a yunomi is a small way I push away from the instant gratification I feel we've become so accustomed to here in the West.”

“The lack of a handle forces you to slow down and wait for the tea – or coffee – to be ready for you,” they continued.

If you missed the invitational across the pond in Minnesota, not to worry.

Markquart will soon present a handful of yunomi-style ceramics and other homeware goods from 4-9pm on Dec. 12 during “12 Nights of Christmas” at The Local Store (205 N Dewey St., Eau Claire).

Over at Caradori Pottery (359 Ferry St., Eau Claire), its annual holiday show – with pieces from the cohort's latest wood firing – will continue now through December.

Discover more of Lu Markquart, Dan Ingersoll and David Caradori's ceramic arts, online via their respective webpages online.