Japan's Master Potters

An exclusive touring exhibition showcasing 35 of Japan's most highly-regarded ceramic artists from the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, has arrived in Australia.

The artists range from those continuing the long traditions of Japanese pottery production, to those seeking to create individualistic works exploring new forms and techniques.

There is a common characteristic to Japanese art throughout all its forms that becomes especially evident when coming face to face with the work itself. Namely, there is a certain sense of all-pervasive stillness informed by inner tranquillity of Zen Buddhism which seems to be reflected in the object itself.

There is also great mastery and respect for the raw material which is particularly evident in Japanese pottery.

For example, Bizen unglazed stoneware with cracks and markings that are part of the clay itself has a particularly raw and earthy simplicity. Bizen pieces are often bent and irregular and inspire a sense of having barely worked the clay.

Hakuji, meaning white porcelain, on the other hand is altogether different with its translucent glass-like quality. It comes from a tradition dating back to the early 1600's when the feudal lord Nabeshima Naoshige, brought a group of Korean potters to Japan, one among which discovered a superior white-stoned clay at Izumiyama (Izumi Mountain, Arita).

Other feudal lords commissioned the Nabeshima Clan to make porcelain for only the elite classes and commoners were forbidden from owning Nabeshima ware, while the clan kept the techniques a closely guarded secret.

As is typical of all things Japanese which are often paradoxical, the artists featured in the exhibition clearly respect and draw on traditional techniques while they also express a thoroughly modern perspective.

"One element that is very clear is the level of skill and perfection. The work is so pure and beautiful. You have the traditional functional object, cups mugs etc, that's part of the long history of pottery, alongside with aesthetically beautiful vessels that have no function.

Another aspect is the respect for the medium they are using; the artists have let the clay form itself." notes Megan McEvoy curator at the Manningham Gallery in Melbourne where the exhibition was shown until September 29.

For those not familiar with Japanese pottery and the various techniques, the exhibition has information text panels next to the exhibits so that the audience can gain a deeper insight and appreciation for the works.

The exhibition features 70 works from the 35 artists. "This was the only opportunity that Victorians would have to view these works, so we expected it to be very popular," added Ms McEvoy.

Following Melbourne, the exhibition will be in Sydney October 10 – 26, Perth November 14 – 27 and Brisbane from mid December – mid January (TBC). Further information can be obtained at www.jpf.org.au .