Hamada: Potter

by Bernard Leach

The designs on this hand-laid paper cover were silk-screened during the typhoon season in Japan (August, early September) and show the sensitivity of lacquer (urushi) to temperature and humidity. Lacquer "dries" most quickly in hot, wet conditions - the faster the "drying", the darker and denser the color. The dark letters on some covers are the result of rainy or sultry days; they will become lighter and clearer with time. It is a pleasure for the publishers to produce a hand-made cover using only traditional materials, but the expense and effort involved limit it's use to the first printing of this book.
Presents a dialogue between two artists, Shoji Hamada and Bernard Leach. The text explores the aesthetics, techniques and unique lifestyle of one of the 20th century's influential craftsmen.

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction

306 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Bernard Howell Leach, CH, CBE (5 January 1887 – 6 May 1979), was a British studio potter and art teacher. He is regarded as the "Father of British studio pottery".

Reviews

[Ehsan Giroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what I was getting into when I got this book. I'm currently at a place where I am consuming all the information about Hamada, Leach and Yanagi (as well as mingei)
This book essentially is a ongoing dialogue between Leach and Hamada and is pleasently layered in an practical approach to mingei and art appreciation as well some personal letters that are actually quite wholesome. Hamadas words in these pages seem to have such honesty and fondness of many things and I think is definitely a must read for potters and art critics. It also gives a very "in" when reading Yanagi. Really pleasant book and very fun to read.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my book, Hamada is as great as a ceramicist gets. No form is overworked, no glaze is mishandled. This is a document of one of the 20th century's greatest masters of form.