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Robert Yellin
CULTURE / Art
Mar 11, 2000
Scorched in the fires of Iga
The influence on contemporary Japanese pottery from medieval kilns is still profound and deep, even though we have one foot into the 21st century. These high-fired unglazed stonewares can be found in potting centers commonly referred to as the Six Old Kilns (rokkoyo) -- the only problem is that this...
CULTURE / Art
Feb 26, 2000
Fair and flea market pot-hunting
"How can I learn more about Japanese pottery?" is a question I'm often asked. The answer is simple: Get out and see as much as you can.
CULTURE / Art
Feb 12, 2000
Simple beauty from unknown craftsmen
Dotted throughout Japan are the potting centers of the common people, makers of wholesome, durable and utilitarian pots. In contrast with tea ceremony utensils and porcelain which were reserved for nobility, the wealthy or export, these folk kilns made zakki or ordinary crockery that met the needs of...
CULTURE / Art
Jan 22, 2000
Veteran of Hagi continues rediscovery
Most of the great potters who rediscovered and revived old potting styles in the early to mid years of the 20th century have passed on into the great kiln in the sky. Yet there is one legend who is still potting: Hagi ceramist Kyusetsu Miwa XI.
CULTURE / Art
Jan 8, 2000
Ceramic greats spotlighted
New Year's Greetings to all Ceramic Scene readers! In Japan there are innumerable artistic groups that allow their members to exchange ideas or research, sponsor lectures or workshops and to acknowledge outstanding work in their respective fields. The Japan Ceramic Society (Nihon Toji Kyokai) is one...
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Nov 27, 1999
The potter who set the scene on fire
In a brief span of time a few decades ago, one Japanese potter set the ceramic scene on fire, and as quickly as a brilliant meteor shooting across a night sky, disappeared. Yet his name and influence still circle the wheel that spins in most potters' studios; his immense impact on contemporary ceramics...
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Nov 13, 1999
Giving away an old secret favorite
I'm not so sure that I want to tell you about this wonderful Mino potter who's having an exhibition in Tokyo next week. It's like spreading the word about your favorite restaurant, and you can never seem to get a reservation thereafter.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Oct 9, 1999
Different stokes for Iowan folks
I never thought my interest in Japanese pottery would lead me to Iowa.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Aug 28, 1999
Fall's ceramic finds fire up auction
The summer drought of pottery exhibitions is slowly ending and the wonderful autumn season, so full of good exhibitions, is about to start. Come September, exhibitions too numerous to list will fill gallery spaces throughout Japan and pottery enthusiasts will have their hands full -- with a few good...
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Aug 14, 1999
More than a humble piece of clay
Japan is a ceramic paradise, plain and simple.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Jul 24, 1999
New and old blended in earthy harmony
One of the greatest challenges facing any Japanese artist is to mix tradition with meaningful innovation. Many artisans merely imitate the past with little originality -- a rehashing of past masters that leaves many of Japan's great artistic traditions in stagnation.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Jun 12, 1999
Legacies live on in kingdom of Kato
In many ceramic centers around Japan a common thread in the community is not only a particular style but also a last name. For instance, if you walked into the middle of Tachikui, where Tanba is made, and shouted "Ichino-san!" almost all the houses would empty.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
May 8, 1999
Kawai exhibit shows grace under fire
The term mingei (folk art) was coined by Soetsu Yanagi in 1926 to refer to common crafts that had been brushed aside and overlooked by the industrial revolution.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Apr 10, 1999
A keen ear for the voice of the clay
Japanese ceramists often talk of the materials they use as having spirits and souls. A kiln, for instance, has its own kami, and the clay has a voice that if listened to carefully will reveal a shape that has lain dormant for centuries.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Mar 13, 1999
Eclectic pottery expands margins
Jun Kawaguchi is one of the funkiest, coolest ceramic artists I've ever met. The first time I met him I was taken aback, to say the least, by his short, spiked hair, green velvet jacket, and a pair of slacks with cartoon designs that looked like the Joker -- not your typical shibui Japanese potter.

Longform

Dul Saroth (left) and Soeum Samrach, deminers with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, practice using the Advanced Landmine Imaging System in Cambodia’s Siem Reap province in August.
The Japanese tech that could one day make Southeast Asia landmine-free