|
Some of Yellin's Books on Pottery
Odd request for you, not risque; have a look in my closet. Not what you expected I imagine for I keep a mini-library there. It is my treasure-trove and an endless source of inspiration and information about Japanese pottery. Some books are in English but most are not. Domestic exhibition catalogs from years back to the present fill a few shelves along with various zukan (picture books). All have been a great help in assisting me to learn more about that which stirs my soul; the world of fine Japanese ceramic art.
A Japanese sword expert once told me "read before you buy." The same can be said of any passionate interest. Before spending a few hundred dollars or more on an art item, I would suggest first learning more about what has captured your interest. Finding out about the history, styles, and masterpieces of any given art form empowers the collector and a knowledgeable collector is the best kind. A dealer does have the responsibility to broaden a collector's world and introduce treasures. Yet it becomes all the more of an equal relationship when they are talking near, or on, the same level. However, don't take the word of all dealers at face value. I've walked silent circles around some 'dealers' who often don't know what they have, especially if they carry items across the Asian art board. Often having a book to consult can help you clarify disputed points later.
Developing a knowledgeable eye does often take time and involves seeing as much in person as possible, consulting reputable dealers, respected writers, or fellow collectors, and spending a quiet evening now and then with a good book.
Books add to understanding, interest, and knowledge. On top of that one is able to view masterpieces over and over again, and that in turn helps in developing 'an eye.' In a nutshell, books are essential.
The problem with books about Japanese pottery, though, is that many classics are out of print and new books are far and few between. I know, I know, I will get a book out one of these days about the contemporary scene, but in the meantime I'd like to share some English books that are on my bookshelf and ones that might assist you in your interest in Japanese pottery.
Some deal more with historical aspects, like The Heritage of Japanese Ceramics. It starts with the Jomon period and ends in the 1960s, exploring some of the more famous potters from that age. It also has some of the best photography of any book I've seen, large color pixs of so many masterpieces and a nice B&W section on more recent potters.
Other books deal primarily with techniques and glazes, like H. Sander's The World of Japanese Pottery and ICU's Richard Wilson's Inside Japanese Ceramics.
The Unknown Craftsman is a look at Buddhist ideals of beauty that made me look at pottery in a very different light. It was written by the founding father of the mingei movement Soetsu Yanagi. If you haven't read it, do. If you're into aesthetic issues also pick up In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki, Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets, Philosophers by Leonard Koren, or Zen and the Art of Pottery by Kenneth Beittel.
Other books worthy of note include:
- Modern Japanese Ceramics in American Collections
- Japanese Pottery
- TOH 21
- The Japanese Pottery Handbook
- The Ceramic Art of Japan
- The Art of Rosanjin
- Seto and Mino Ceramics
A few on-line sites that might have these books include:
You might also want to check with some larger local bookstores. This isn't the complete list, just a start, and as with any search, new discoveries are always the best kind.
|
The Heritage Of Japanese Ceramics
|
|
A Connoisseurs Guide to Japanese Ceramics
|
|
The Unknown Craftsman
|
|
Zen and the Art of Pottery
|
|
Modern Japanese Ceramics in American Collections
|
|
Japanese Pottery
|
|
Toward a 21th Century Renaissance in Ceramics
|
|
The Japanese Pottery Handbook
|
|
Karatsu Ware
|
|
The Ceramic Art of Japan
|
|
The Art of Rosanjin
|
|
The World of Japanese Ceramics
|
|
Seto and Mino Ceramics
|
|
Inside Japanese Ceramics
|
|
|
