Sotheby’s is Starting to Really Attract Imari Yakimono Collectors

Those following Sotheby’s myriad art auctions might have noticed when a certain imari yakimono vase was sold in September 2012. The piece was from the early 18th century, and sold for £3,250 when you factor in the buyer’s premium. Collectors noticed several interesting details about this particular item.

The domed cover is certainly exquisite. Astute […]

Recent Sotheby’s Ceramics Auctions bring out the Late Brooke Astor’s Yakimono Pieces

One of the most impressive recent auctions of Japanese ceramic yakimono art occurred in September 2012. The New York branch of Sotheby’s hosted a huge auction catalog that sold much of Brooke Astor’s estate. The socialite was quite an art collector, and she’s famous for her interest in paintings of dogs.

That might make one […]

Exploring Oribe Yakimono Ware Part III: Collectors and Kuro Oribe

Oribe yaki is still extremely popular today, and most people consider it to be a classic type of Japanese art. People don’t really find much other art in other countries that has been influenced by the Oribe movement. That makes it rather unique in the world.

Collectors consider formulaic brown on green glazing patterns to […]

Exploring Oribe Yakimono Ware Part II: Historical Modernism

While the phrase historical modernism might sound pretty ridiculous, it actually makes a lot of sense when one considers Oribe Yaki. Furuta Shigenari was quite an innovator when he created the first yakimono pieces in his own unique style. Many of these pieces look quite modern by today’s standards.

Oribe himself was never actually a […]

Macro Crystallization Part II: Advances in Cements Made Better Ceramics

Artists with a hardcore interest in chemistry have picked apart the macro crystallization process, and come up with a number of various chemical formula designed to help artists produce the best pieces possible. That being said, most of these studies took place outside of Japan. That means that they weren’t nearly as focused on […]

Seto Ware Took a Journey When it Wasn’t Safe to be a Potter

As the name might suggest Seto yakimono ware originally came from the village of Seto. One of the Six Ancient Kilns was located in Seto. Since it was such an important part of ceramics history, the village actually lends its name to the generic Japanese word for pottery.

Numerous Japanese speakers use the term setomono […]

The Rather Rich History of Multihued Oribe Yakimono Ware

The name of Oribe Yaki is rather unique. It’s actually named after a single individual. Furuta Shigenari (1544-1615) was a warrior who once served Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga. He became the foremost tea master when his teacher Sen no Rikyu perished.

Furuta taught the ceremony to the shogun Tokugawa Hidetada and gained the honorific […]

Macro Crystallization Continues to Change Ceramic Art in the 21st Century

Macro crystallization in ceramic art is an interesting topic. It’s a field of study that many artists are still engaged in to this day. While glazing chemistries might be stable there is still a great deal we don’t know about crystalline patterns.

For a long time, it was believed that an oxidation atmosphere was necessary […]

Ameyu Glazing Techniques Took Time but Gave us Visual Candy

Ameyu glazing techniques produce a really interesting sheen, but it takes quite a while for a yakimono ceramics artist to master the style. Its not something that one can learn in a single day. Considering the deep colors that come from ameyu processes the long training process can certainly be worth it.

As with anything, […]

Urushi of Japan Exhibition Makes Art Critics Rediscover Japanese Lacquer Work

Yanagi Muneyoshi founded the Mingei folk art movement, but luxurious Japanese urushi pieces have been popular for centuries. Mingei artists used red, black and various types of colored lacquer patterns to spruce up traditional folk crafts. The Japan Folk-Craft Museum is putting on an exhibition of about 100 different pieces.

The pieces include mother-of-pearl sets, […]

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