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Interview with Dan from Chidori Vintage Japanese Collectables
Q: Hey Dan, can you give us a quick rundown on the history of Japanese pottery?
Dan: Yeah, sure! Japanese pottery, or “yaki” as it’s called, has been around for a long time. It started back in the Jomon period, which was like 14,000-300 BCE. They made pottery using the coil and paddle method and decorated it with cord-marked designs. As time went on, pottery-making techniques got better and better, and new styles and techniques came about, like Raku for example. Raku was really popular during the Momoyama period, and it’s known for its unique glazes and firing methods.
Q: What are some of the most famous types of Japanese pottery?
Dan: There’s a bunch of famous types, but some of the most well-known are Raku, Shigaraki, and Bizen. Raku is known for its unique glazes and firing methods, and it’s often used in the tea ceremony. Shigaraki is known for its rough, rustic look and is often used in traditional Japanese gardening. And Bizen is known for its natural ash glaze and is often used in traditional Japanese flower arranging.
Q: Can you tell us about any specific potters or pottery schools that have had a big impact on Japanese pottery?
Dan: Oh yeah, there have been a ton of influential potters and schools over the years. Chojiro, for example, was the founder of the Raku school. Kenzan was a big deal during the Edo period, he was a master of “ko-kutani” pottery. And Shoji Hamada was a 20th century potter who was a leader in the mingei (folk art) movement and helped revive traditional Japanese pottery techniques.
Q: How has Japanese pottery changed over time?
Dan: It’s changed a lot! One big change is that potters started using gas and electric kilns instead of traditional wood-firing methods in the 20th century. And potters also started getting influenced by international art movements, like the Studio Pottery movement, which led to a renewed interest in functional pottery.
Q: How is Japanese pottery used today?
Dan: It’s still used in traditional settings like tea ceremony and flower arranging, but it’s also a big deal in contemporary art and design. A lot of contemporary Japanese potters are pushing the boundaries of traditional pottery techniques and making really cool and innovative stuff. And people all over the world collect and appreciate Japanese pottery as an art form.
In short, Japanese pottery has a long history, and it’s still going strong today. It’s a great example of how a craft can be connected to cultural heritage but still be fresh and relevant.
Check out our large selection of antique and vintage Japanese pottery.
