◆Timeless Collection - Revised Third Edition◆
◆Features an exclusive interview with the millennium pottery town of Seto Honyo kiln, pottery knowledge, and introductions to several unique pottery shops◆
"If you look closely, you will see the inherent qualities of all things. If you perceive your life as ordinary, it might just be because we are too careless."
What gives Japanese pottery its unique charm——
A glimpse into the fascinating philosophy of artisans coexisting with their environment and era
Pottery is too boring... No, pottery is not boring; rather, the emotions and stories it contains are even more moving.
This book not only records the touching life stories of potters and captures precious moments of their sincere pottery making but also meticulously portrays the beauty of folk art, its timelessness, and its extraordinary nature within the ordinary, tracing its historical origins, environmental changes, and centuries of cultural heritage.
Why did master craftsman Sori Yanagi entrust his most important life's work to the Dezumi Kiln?
How does renowned artist Tetsuya Otani create multi-layered, delicate white porcelain through a "subtraction" philosophy?
How did Taro Ichino, the tenth-generation successor of Tanba ware, create popular and charming pottery inspired by IKEA?
For philosophical potter Teppei Ono, where does the lifelong urge to infuse emotion into clay with his own hands come from?
How does the millennium pottery town of Seto Honyo kiln find its place amidst changes in society and the natural environment?
Features of this book
● Interviews with 14 representative Japanese pottery artisans, traveling through major pottery centers, revealing the local flavor and deep emotions contained in everyday pottery.
● Selects 7 unique Japanese pottery shops, offering a glimpse into the shop owners' discerning selection philosophy to help you find your daily companions.
● Includes information on 4 local Japanese pottery workshops, offering an in-depth experience of the purest handmade beauty of pottery towns.
"When making pasta in a donabe pot, Mr. Tetsuya Otani's sun-drenched home comes to mind—Mr. Otani, who fills his busy work with small joys of life. When serving miso soup in a tetsue bowl, I smell the aroma of the noodle soup I had at Mr. Shirojo's house—Mr. Shirojo, who is always calm and embraces new things with joy. When putting potato salad on a small celadon plate, the jazz music I heard in Mr. Yoshiki Ichino's car plays in my ears—Mr. Ichino, overflowing with passion for ceramics. When placing cookies and cheese on a black and white plate for a snack, the sweetness of half a butter roll Ms. Masako Yajima shared with me fills my mouth—the shy and soft-spoken Ms. Yajima..."
Veteran magazine editor and Japanese culture columnist Lin Qixiang traveled throughout Japan, personally stepping into the workshops where artisans spent their days. Initially, she wanted to inquire about pottery making methods but was sharply awakened by a potter's blunt statement, "Discussing production techniques and the like is too boring." Only then did she understand that the technical aspects we focus on in pottery making are just one part of the process. More importantly, it's the strong connection between the environment and human spirit, and even more, considering factors like the era and function. Folk craft pottery cannot be fully understood until it is touched and used. This "good" is also "just right," carefully molded by artisans who consider various aspects of its use, adding and subtracting as needed. Every step has its meaning, and every form of beauty contains many things we cannot see.
Rave Reviews
Taro Matsuura / Lifestyle Guru
Jiang Mingyu / Little Tools Lifestyle Creative Director
Mili / Lifestyle Pottery Author
Hally Chen / Author of "Kissaten Banzai"
Ouyang Yingji / Food Culture Researcher
Mikako Sawada / Author of "Kyoto Ceramics Stroll"
"It's rare to find such first-hand information and interviews with contemporary Japanese potters and famous kilns, personally investigated by a Chinese writer, leading pottery enthusiasts to deeply understand the value and charm behind the craftsmanship. Having missed the first edition of this book, reading this revised edition today brings a sense of belated satisfaction." —Hally Chen / Author of "Kissaten Banzai"
"Most Japanese ceramics were learned from China. Today, they are regarded as an art of living due to their natural, beautiful, and peaceful feel. This book thoroughly and astonishingly reveals the landscape of modern Japanese pottery and the passion of its artisans." —Mikako Sawada / Author of "Kyoto Ceramics Stroll"
