Pottery (Ceramics) in Japan (original) (raw)

Japanese Ceramics

Of all Japanese arts, one of the oldest, most indigenous, and most widely recognized worldwide is ceramics. It is difficult to proclaim any particular religious influence on ceramic styles, but the Zen taste for directness, simplicity, earthiness, and irregular shapes is prominent in the work of many modern Japanese potters. Nonetheless, Japanese pottery did not develop in a vacuum. Perhaps the greatest influence on Japanese pottery during Japan’s feudal period came from Korea. The Korean influence on Japanese pottery is profound. For example, Japan’s famous Hagi ware originated when Korean potters were brought back to Japan during the "pottery wars" of 1592 AD and 1597 -1598 AD.

I have been very lucky to become friends with Robert Yellin, a long-time Japan resident (born in USA) who is among a very small group of foreigners with a deep understanding of Japanese pottery. Robert’s pottery knowledge center is located at e-yakimono.net, and his e-store gallery at japanesepottery.com. The first site listed above includes a world-class pottery guidebook / primer. Click the below link to enter the Guidebook, which provides descriptions for over 40 styles, with nearly 200 photos. As a side note, I was the webmaster for Robert’s pottery sites for many years. Since my retirement from web design in 2009, Robert has found another marvelous design team. Both of his sites are worthy of a visit.

More than 40 Styles Explained, Nearly 200 Photos
Please visit www.e-yakimono.net/guide