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IN THIS ISSUE:
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1. New Pottery Primer
2. Recent News
3. Pottery Tour
Greetings to all from Mishima.
A few things I'd like to share with you.
1. NEW POTTERY PRIMER
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e-Yakimono webmaster Mark Schumacher told me recently that he needed a primer to keep track of the hundreds of styles, forms, terms, and people that appear on the web site. He felt a basic primer was needed not only for himself, but for others as well. I tend to just throw out terms thinking all will be able to follow; it's just so darn familiar to me. Yet, it's not that way for all and Japanese pottery can be a bit confusing. So, to make a long story short, Mark created a wonderful primer taken from my writings and other sources. It includes descriptions of more than 40 pottery styles, and nearly 200 images.
To find the primer, just visit http://www.e-yakimono.net/guide/, or visit our homepage and click the "Guidebook" button. Please do have a look through when you have a chance and any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
2. RECENT NEWS
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First, at the beginning of this month, Imaizumi Masato became Imaizumi Imaemon XlV. He is the second son of the late Imaemon Xlll and has a great talent in his Nabeshima creations. His oldest brother runs the Imaemon Kiln and the Tokyo Gallery in Tokyo's Minami Aoyama district.
Second, I just got the award winners envelope yesterday. No, not the Oscars but the Japan Ceramic Society's 2002 winners and all I can say is it's about time for both gentleman. The Nihon Toji Kyokai Award goes to Seto veteran Suzuki Goro! He is such an amazing talent breathing new life into all the Mino styles. Yet he says that just now, at age 61, is he finally doing his "real work."
More on Suzuki can be found here:
http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/suzuki-goro.htm
www.e-yakimono.net/html/suzuki-goro-jt.html
The higher-ranking Gold Award was given to Bizen's Mori Togaku. Mori is a major figure in contemporary Bizen and one whose name is being mentioned as the next Living National Treasure for that style. His work is in a classical frame, very dignified and strong, like the man himself. I, and many others, await the firing of his 90-meter anagama in the coming years!
Third, Kodansha International just re-released Basho's classic "Oku no Hosomichi" (Narrow Road to a Far Province). What does this have to do with yakimono you may ask. Good question. It just so happens that all book illustrations are by potter Tsujimura Shiro. More about Tsujimura can be found at:
Tsujimura Shiro
www.e-yakimono.net/html/tsujimura-shiro.html
Kodansha's homepage can be found at:
http://www.thejapanpage.com
3. POTTERY TOUR
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Esprit Travel from Los Angeles ( http://www.esprittravel.com/ ) in association with e-y net has put together a pottery tour from May 19 to 31. I'll be taking the group to a few pottery centers including Bizen and Shigaraki. There will also be a sake night in Kyoto with John Gauntner and myself. Many, many other interesting stops have been arranged by Esprit. If anyone is interested in seeing a detailed itinerary please let me know and I'll send one out.
May your guinomi, yunomi, or chawan, runneth over!
Until next time;
Sincerely,
Robert Yellin
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