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D.H. Rosen
For D.H. Rosen's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jul 12, 2007
From a whim to pottery passion
Masayuki Inoue's repertoire includes sky-high monoliths and massive sculptures that span several meters. Many of these monumental works are held together by metal bolts and industrial adhesive, which in itself is not particularly unusual in the world of contemporary art. But here's the twist: Inoue is first and foremost a ceramic artist.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
May 17, 2007
Parodies in pottery
At first glance, the colorful, classically shaped vase adorned with flower prints and pictures of doll-like young girls seems harmless enough. It's the second look that throws you.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jun 29, 2006
Clay captures the motion of organic forms
Seeming to peer out the window of the gallery is a brightly colored red and blue polka-dot blob. For a moment the amorphous shape looks like it is slowly crawling up the wall, till further inspection suggests that the piece is actually still -- or is it? Such is the work of Japanese ceramic artist Chiho Aono, who seeks to capture movement in high-fire clay forms that have a clear influence from nature and breathe with a life of their own.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
May 25, 2006
Writing a challenge in clay for his proteges
When asked "What kind of ware do you make?," ceramic artist Kimpei Nakamura's tongue-in-cheek response is "Tokyo yaki (Tokyo Ware)." It's a label of his own invention that pokes fun at the traditional system of classifying ceramics by their ties to ancient kiln sites that existed long before the city of Tokyo was even a concept.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree