About

Cyriaque Ambroise

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Handcarved wooden utensils for tea ceremonies.

Cyriaque Ambroise discovered the way of tea during a stay in Japan in 2015. Since then, he has created wooden utensils for tea ceremonies. These are unique pieces all handcarved in an open-air workshop.

With a focus slowing down, he demonstrates patience with the notion of making by hand in response to the natural rhythm of the elements. For him, it is a meditative practice that nourishes both his creativity and wholeness.

He meticulously chooses characterful branches and trunks for their inspiring shapes and patterns of growth. No trees are cut down specifically for his work. The wood is harvested locally, on foot from storm fallen or responsibly pruned trees.

After being previously shaped, each piece is carved and textured with hand tools. Slow and measured carving techniques permit him to sensitively follow the grain of the wood, recognising unspoiled imperfections. The outcomes are often refined and delicate, with a natural aesthetic celebrating simplicity and sobriety.

Through his practice, Cyriaque Ambroise sees the art of tea as a way to share his slow making philosophy and question our relationship to utilitarian and artistic works.

The open-air workshop of Hackney, London, UK