Traditional Japanese Colors - in Pottery

By JAPANESE STREETS, Monday May 24, 2010 - colors

The resurgent popularity of kimono has given traditional Japanese colors new life. In this second last article in the series, Sierra explores traditional colors in Japanese pottery.

Pottery is one of the oldest art forms in Japan. It combines and preserves 10,000 years of history, texture and color. Thanks to countless styles, schools and clays, the range of of wares is virtually endless.

Take a look at the various pieces below to see how intricate traditional patterns, textures and colors are expressed in Japanese ceramics.

Japanese Black Chawan

Japanese Teapot

Japanese Vase

Japanese Ceramics with Swirl

Japanese Rice Bowls

Red Vase

Tea Cups

Suzume

Melted Plate

Vase

100305-2225

100305-2207

Other articles in this series:

1. Traditional Japanese Colors
2. Traditional Japanese Colors – Modern Trad
3. Traditional Japanese Colors – In Prints
4. Traditional Japanese Colors – In Textile
5. Traditional Japanese Colors – Pinks and Reds
6. Traditional Japanese Colors – Yellows and Browns
7. Traditional Japanese Colors – Greens
8. Traditional Japanese Colors – Blues
9. Traditional Japanese Colors – Purples
10. Traditional Japanese Colors – More

Comment （日本語もOK）

amazing! I want them all!

Misato
May 25, 2010 (3701 days ago)

@Misato: I have been in love with Japanese pottery ever since I moved here. I used to have a great collection, but it went to shatters during the Kobe Quake of 1995, and I haven’t had the courage to start anew. The bottom two pictures show items from my own kitchen, though.

Kjeld Duits
May 25, 2010 (3701 days ago)

Misato, i’m glad you like the pieces! They’re mostly from the Arita Ceramics festival held in Arita City twice a year. There are also two of my pieces and like Kjeld said some items from his kitchen.

Sierra Sroka
May 25, 2010 (3700 days ago)

all I know is when I was in Kyoto for one day, I couldn’t go by a ceramics store, I wanted to buy it all! I had made a promise to myself not to buy ceramics because it’s too heavy and fragile to resist well a long plane flight. I don’t regret not buying, it was a conscious decision, but I’m sorry I had to decide like that…

Misato
May 25, 2010 (3700 days ago)

thats too bad! It is true that shipping or taking fragile pieces home with you is risky…hopefully next time you come to Japan you can at least find something small and portable to take in your carry-on bag

Sierra Sroka
May 25, 2010 (3700 days ago)

@Misato: I always carry lots of pottery as gifts with me when I visit my family in Europe. I make sure it’s packed well and it always survived. It’s worth a try.

Kjeld Duits
May 26, 2010 (3700 days ago)

yes, I though of that… but I have another problem coming from Japan: I buy a LOT of books, so the weight is also an issue.

Misato
May 27, 2010 (3698 days ago)

@Misato: Aaah, I know THAT problem…. I always used to pack my bags with books, too, when I travelled abroad. These days I buy them online, though. Shipping can be pricey, but it beats having to wait for the next trip!

Kjeld Duits
May 29, 2010 (3697 days ago)

Such beautiful, artful original pieces in this article. The colors are striking.
Have Always had an appreciation of Japanese ceramics. Some of our Re-Sale stores now have pieces of Japanese dinner ware that was part of a large set. Many of these Japanese sets were brought back to the US by Vietnam vets during the 50’s and 60’s. The simple, delicate, graceful designs are beautiful. Finding a bowl, plate or platter is fun.

srokama
Jun 1, 2010 (3694 days ago)

Thanks Srokama! Actually the town where my pottery teacher is from is called Seto-shi (near Nagoya) and is known for making the export pieces to the US after the war. Although most are mold made, they are quite beautiful and fun pieces to find.

Sierra Sroka
Jun 3, 2010 (3692 days ago)

We sell Old Swiss Military bags. Check out our shop.
www.louisadroit.etsy.com