Customer Reviews

Modern Japanese Ceramics: Pathways of Innovation & Tradition

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, the good -- this book contains lots of beautiful pictures of Japanese pottery from the 1990's and early 21st century. For that alone, it may be worth purchasing this book. Now the not-so-good -- if you are expecting to see cutting edge, modern ceramics from Japan, this is not the book for you. The text focuses largely on the history of Japaneses pottery and makes only a slight attempt to review the work of contemporary potters. The illustrations of pottery, while visually appealing, also fall largely (although not exclusively) into the category of traditional forms and firing methods. Although I am always happy to look at traditional Japanese pottery, I found little in this book that could provide inspiration for my own more modern work.

I tend to agree with the reveiw above....The title is misleading,it is not a book about modern Japanese ceramics. Most of the photos are of works done in the 1800's, but there are some interesting examples of more contemporary works in the final chapters, and those were indeed very interesting. But I was not displeased with this book,in fact, it was quite the reverse. I have very little knowledge of Japanese techniques, I tend to work in underglazes and North American technical ways of firing, so, a chance to see a completley different perspective on ceramics from a Japanese cultural point of veiw is a great thing for me.
Its a great little book, loaded with photos, technical info, and the works in the final chapters has me interested in purchasing another book on real contemporary Asia ceramics...Amazon has such a one,I think I may order it today, in fact!
One the whole, it's great value for the money, I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about Japanese approaches to this art form.

After seeking and not finding for 30 years, I discovered this book opens the door to Japanese ceramics. Defining while explaining various styles of the pot form as the island transitioned from the ancient to the modern world.
It is accurate yet concise. As a potter, trained in Japanese technique but practicing here in the west since the 1970s I found the adaptation modern Japanese potters have made to marketing and studio practice worth the price of the book alone.
The failure of information- dense books like these has been poor or non existent images to accompany the text.
I am pleased to tell you the photo work here is good and plenty ,simply and accurately referenced.
You can leaf through descriptions that accompany each pot for just that pot if that is your style, or if you so decide you can do an encyclopedic search to cross reference that piece with the history and personalities of the movement.
You can even go further ,by checking the end sheets to look up the area ,even the kiln the piece is from.
If there was one complaint it was just- there needs to be a one page owners manual to show you how to navigate the book ...

A very detailed, informative, and useful reference book on Japanese ceramics. One very important feature is an Appendix with detailed directions on how to get to the most important Japanese pottery centers. A "must" for anyone seriously interested in Japanese ceramics, and especially so for anyone planning a trip to Japan with an emphasis on ceramics. A real find!!

This is the book that I've been desperate for in my personal studies of Japanese ceramics. The book contains--in sufficient detail--information about the historical development of Japanese ceramics as well as an overview of production techniques. It then provides wonderful descriptions of the various types of ceramics found throughout Japan, but the information is broken down by geography. Specifically, by island and then by kiln. For example, the "Kyushu" section contains information on seventeen different kilns, and thus, on seventeen different types of ceramics, from the well-known Kutani to the lesser-known Mikawachi. Color photographs from the authors' collection are provided as examples. The information is then bolstered by a well-researched bibliography and appendix as well as with a very functional index. Most importantly, (to me at least!) is the inclusion of kanji and romanji throughout the entirety of the text; it is provided for place names, kiln types, and in the lengthy travel notes.

In short: if I were to write a book on Japanese ceramics, this is what I would want to write. If five additional stars could be awarded to this book, I would.

Having already had an interest in Japanese pottery, when I moved to Fukuoka in Kyushu last year, I realized that Kyushu pottery was not just the famous Arita/Imari ware or even Karatsu-yaki. I looked in vain for a book which would give me some background on the many types of pottery in Kyushu that boasted a history of hundreds of years. I wanted something published fairly recently, knowing that there were talented young potters carrying on the work of generations. Naturally I thought I would find it among Japanese language publications, but no, I found it in this one. I rely on it. In addition to the history of the various types of pottery, it contains pictures of representative pieces and even directions to the kilns/pottery towns toward the back. I wish it also had directions by car in some cases, but I understand why that might difficult. Now if only we could add descriptions of hot springs near the pottery towns, it would be a dream come true!