Tag - ceramic-scene

 
 

CERAMIC SCENE

CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
May 13, 2000
Celebrating the cream of Japanese pottery
Believe it or not, a new museum has opened in Japan. In the midst of hearing about this or that institution shutting its doors for good it's refreshing to hear of one opening its doors for the first time, especially one entirely devoted to pottery.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Apr 22, 2000
Inspiration that comes naturally
Nature, that miraculous giver of life, has been a source of inspiration for many Japanese artists, potters included, for many a century. Whether it be in floral motifs or the naturalness of their chosen materials or birds in flight, nature has played a conscious role in shaping the thoughts and vessels of Japanese potters.
CULTURE / Art / CERAMIC SCENE
Apr 8, 2000
Amber glow from the fires of Ohi
There are few glazes in Japan as captivating as Ohi-yaki's ame-yu. Its rich caramel color is most often seen on chawan (tea bowls) and mizusashi (water jars), and the depth and elegance of the hues draw the viewer into a very serene world.
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 has yet to, and will likely never, be extinguished.
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 pots, I hope.
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

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