Here is a list of several books that I have read lately that make interesting and informative reading for lovers of Japanese pottery and porcelain:
.
"Japanese Ceramics of the Last 100 Years"
by Irene Stitt (1974)
Although
a little outdated, it is informative. It basically covers the period from 1868
until the date of publication. It includes almost 350 photographs, most of
which are just in black and white. I enjoyed the political and social
background as well as details of styles, methods, and influential potters. In
the back she lists some marks, I only wish she had added more!
2."Modern
Japanese Ceramics- Pathways of Innovation & Tradition"
by Annaliese and Wulf Crueger and Saeko Ito (2004)
This
a a great book!! It covers almost every possible style of Japanese ceramics,
beginning in Okinawa and making it step by step north and east. This book is
filled with many details and wonderful color pictures as examples of each
location covered.
3.
"Tamba Pottery-The Timless Art of a Japanese Village"
by Daniel Rhodes (1970)
If
you love Tanba pottery you will love this book. It invites you in to this
special part of the Japanese pottery world in Tachikui. There are many pictures
but most are in black and white.
4.
"Agano and Takatori" by Gen Kozuru
(1981) Famous Ceramics of Japan Series #2
I
enjoyed reading the history of these two styles of pottery in the context of
the social and political world. There is also information on the original
kilns. It has great pictures, mostly in color.
5.
"Imari, Satsuma and Other Japanese Export Ceramics"
by Nancy Shiffer (1997)
This
book is lacking in information but has lovely pictures with descriptions. I
wish she had dated more of the pieces and included more marks. She has three
pages of marks in the back of the book.
6.
"The Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain"
by Joan F. Van Patten (1986)
This
is a nice book with plenty of color photographs, descriptions and pages of hand
drawn marks.
7.
"Collection Japanese Antiques" by Alistair
Seton (2004)
This
is a great book for collectors of Japanese antiques. Because it covers more
than just pottery there is limited detailed information. The pictures are beautiful.
8.
"Hirado: Prince of Porcelains" by Louis
Lawrence (1997)
This
is a lovely book. It has beautiful pictures, pages of marks and lots of
history! Although it deals with Hirado specifically, it also refers to
other pottery and porcelains produced in surrounding areas.
9.
"Japanese and Oriental Ceramics"
(1971) by Hazel H. Gorham
This
little book is a bit different than some I have read. This book dabbles in the
different styles of pottery as well as some of the meanings of the various
common designs painted on the pieces. Ms. Gorham throws in some
interesting history and famous marks. This a great addition to my library.
10.
"The Unknown Craftsman" by
Soetsu Yanagi, adapted by Bernard Leach (1978)
I
have just begun reading this classic book, but have already been moved by the
deep appreciation Bernard Leach had for his friend Soetsu Yanagi, as well as
the love both had for the simple beauty of the arts, but especially pottery,
found in small villages in Japan. It is also a spiritual book as Mr Yanagi
fully believed that the arts are indeed spiritual. Very Zen!
11.
"The Potter's Brush" (2001) by
Richard L. Wilson. I just got this one for Christmas and have only had a chance
to flip through it, but if you have ever wanted to know about the Ogata Kenzan
style, this is a great book! The photographs are great and there is a lot of
documentation. I am looking forward to spending time perusing this one!!
12.
"The Art of Japanese Ceramics" (1972) by
Tsugio Mikami. This too, was a Christmas gift this year. My children think it
rather odd that old, out of print books on Japanese pottery are at the top of
my wish list! This gives some history of ceramics in general, then flows
into the beginnings of Japanese ceramics. Many of the pictures are in black and
white but there are a number of full page color photographs. I like the fold up
map of Japanese pottery sites from Pre-Kamakura through Edo Times. I am
excited about reading more about the history and nature of Japanese
ceramics.
13."Nabeshima"
by Motosuke Imaizumi (1981) Famous Ceramics of Japani Series #1
Although
somewhat dated this book is interesting as it touches upon the origins of
Nabeshima, emphasizing that there is still much unknown that must be
researched. The color photographs are lovely with some taking up a full page.
It truly is eye candy for porcelain lovers!
14.
" Folk Kilns I" by
Hiroshi Mizuo (1981) Famous Ceramics of Japan #3
This
book focuses on the Folk Kilns on the island of Honshu. It gives a basic
history, divided by regions. Many of the types of pottery are unfamiliar
to even to most Japanese. There are many good photos of the various
styles.
15.
"A Dictionary of Japanese Artists"
by Laurence P. Roberts (1980)
This
is a great reference book for the most famous potters and other artists, with
some general information on each. Most of the people covered are from the 17th century
through the early to mid-20th century.
16.
"The Japanese Pottery Handbook"
by Simpson, Kitto and Sodeoka (1979)
Some
friends surprised me with the gift of this book today. It was written by a
westerner who went to Japan to teach but was so impressed with the pottery she
began learning the art of Japanese pottery making. This book is meant to help
other westerners who may need help with the Japanese terms, processes, shapes,
forms, glazes, etc. It is written in both English and Japanese with many illustrations.
This is a great addition to my library. Thank you Lisa and Julia!
17.
"The Ceramic Art of Ogata Kenzan",
Japanese Arts Library series, by Masahiko Kawahara (1985) translated by Richard
L. Wilson
A
great read. This work deals with the history of Kenzan, his life and works. The
pictures, mostly black and white, show many samples of Kenzan's work. Mr.
Kawahara also addresses the issue of imitations, as well as works by followers
of Kenzan.
18.
"Folk Kilns II" By Kichiemon
Okamura (1981) Famous Ceramics of Japan #4. This book focuses on the folk kilns
of Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa. There are some great color photos and a basic
history of the folk kilns of each area. I would have liked a bit more detail on
major kilns but this series of books keeps to a general touching of the styles
and history. There are maps in the back with kilns cited.
19.
"Shoji Hamada-A Potter's Way and Work"
by Susan Peterson (1974)
Susan
Peterson knew Shoji Hamada for many years which gives this book a personal
touch. This book covers not only The Master Potter himself but also the
community around him. I just got this book so have not read it all but it has
already given me a small window into his world and the world of Mashiko!
Most
of the photographs are in black and white but there are a number of color
photographs of him and his works.
*I
have read more of the book now and find myself quite fond of Mr. Hamada, the
family man, the artist, the influence for a movement. Love this book! Ms.
Peterson brings him to life in her writing. I love how his creative process is
described and feel the urge to find a piece of his work for my very own!
20.
"The Collector's Encyclopedia of Noritake"
by Joan Van Patten (1984) This book covers the history of Noritake, many marks
and color photographs of Noritake wares. While it is organized and informative
it is impossible for anyone to cover all Noritake wares. The Noritake company
does not even have complete records of all that it produced and when. This book
is a good basic foundation for Noritake researchers.
21.
"Japanese Ceramics" by Hideo Tagai
(1977). This little book covers the basic history of Japanese ceramics. It has
many color pictures of basic styles of pottery as well as some lovely samples
of some of Japan's greatest potters including Fujiwara Kei, Hamada Shoji, and
Arakawa Toyozo.
22.
"Chinese, Corean And Japanese Potteries"
by Japan Society of New York (reprint by Forgotten Books) I do not recommend
this book in the reprinted form. I have not seen the original book so cannot
comment on that. It basically is a catalogue of loan exhibition Hobson/ Morse
1914. The reprint text wise is fine but the photocopied pictures leave much to
be desired.
23.
"Collector's Encyclopedia of Early Noritake"
by Aimee Neff Alden 1995
This
book is helpful for identification and dates of early Noritake patterns. Of
course, no book can contain all the patterns and marks out there, in fact none
of mine are in the book. Similar or exact back stamps were in it. The book is
easy to work with and gives a good basic history of Noritake. The pictures are
mostly in color which helps a lot with identifying the patterns.
24.
"Kutani", Japanese Arts
Library Series. by Sensaku Nakagawa 1979
A
helpful book on all things Kutani, including history, designs, maps, and a good
glossary.
25.
"Imari" Famous Ceramics of Japan #6, by Takeshi Nagatake 1982
As
with the other books in this series, the history is explained and many examples
of the pottery is presented. It is a good basic introduction to the beauty of
Imari.
26.
"Collector's Handbook of Marks & Monograms on Pottery
and Porcelain" by William Chaffers (1874 reprint
1961) This book covers marks from many countries but it does have a nice
Japanese mark section (pg168-189).
27.
"Pottery and Porcelain" by Warren E.
Cox (1944) Two Volumes
These
volumes cover marks from all over the world but includes a nice section on
Japanese marks and basic history of Japanese ceramics, with charts of types,
styles, potters, etc.
28.
"Treasury of Satsuma" by Sandra
Andacht (1981). This is a very helpful little book for those interested in
Satsuma wares. It gives a bit of history, discusses the various
"schools", addresses blanks, and includes marks, motifs and more.
This is worth it's place in my library.
29.
"Japanese Ceramics Today-Masterworks from the Kikuchi
Collection" (1983)
This
book contains works by 100 modern Japanese Ceramists from the Kikuchi
Collection. It has short bios on the Ceramists and some history of ceramics and
Ms. Kikuchi's love for and knowledge of Japanese ceramics. It is a lovely book
with beautiful photographs. The only thing that might have made it more useful
to me would have been pictures of the potter's marks for identification.
30.
"Turning Point-Oribe and the Arts of Sixteenth-Century
Japan" (2004)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
I
just got this book so cannot give a full review but from the first perusal it
appears to be a wonderful book for anyone interested in Japanese cultural
history of the Momoyama period and its influence on the arts. The photographs
are lovely. I am looking forward to reading this lovely book more in depth.
31.
"The Art of Ogata Kenzan" by Richard
Wilson (1991)
Mr. Wilson
is the leading authority of the famous potter Ogata Kenzan. This is an
extensive work on the art of Kenzan. It is a wonderful addition to my library,
knowing I can go to it with almost any question I might have about Kenzan and
his work.
32.
"Collector's Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics" Book II By
Carole Bess White (1996)
I
like this book because Ms. White went to Japan and interviews and researched
companies and pottery associations. There are many pictures of the ceramics as
well as many marks.
33.
"Collector's Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics"
Carole Bess White (1994)
This
is Carole's first book on this subject. It is impossible to have examples of
everything but she does a good job of covering many styles. She wrote another
book in 1996 adding to this foundation book.
34.
"Kakiemon" Famous
Ceramics of Japan #5 by Takeshi Nagatake (1981)
Mr.
Nagatake does a nice job giving a brief history and description of Kakiemon
wares. Color pictures of many wonderful Kakiemon pieces with short
captions.
35.
"Shino" Famous Ceramics of Japan #12 by
Ryoji Kuroda (1984)
I
love SHINO so this is a treat for me. Some reviews mention the washed- out
color of the pictures but It does not take too much away from the many pictures
included in the book. I am glad to have this one in my library.
36.
"Karatsu" Famous
Ceramics of Japan #9 by Taroemon Nakazato (1983)
As
with the other books in this series it gives a basic history of Karatsu ware.
It also explains the various styles within the Karatsu style. Techniques are
also discussed. There are also many color pictures with short
explanations. I am happy to add this to my library!
37.
"Japanese Ceramics-From the Tanakamaru Collection"
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Seattle Art Museum (1980) Text and
Catologue by Nagatake Takeshi.
This
is the collection of Tanakamaru Zenpachi (1894-1973). It contains ceramics from
Kyushu. The pictures are lovely and there is a short explanation with each
photograph. The book also contains a brief history of the main ceramic wares of
Kyushu. It is a paperback.
38.
"Made in Japan Ceramics 1921-1941"
by Barbara Ifert (1994)
There
are lots of color pictures and some descriptions. It may be somewhat helpful
for collectors or those trying to document pieces. It is impossible to take
pictures of everything.
39.
"Yakimono 4000 Years of Japanese Ceramics"
Honolulu Academy of Arts (2005)
I
was expecting more than a thin paperback when I ordered it, but it does have
quite a bit of helpful information packed into it. It is written in both
English and Japanese. It covers the history and various styles of Japanese
ceramics.
The
pictures are lovely. The descriptions are written by various Japanese authors.
I would have preferred smaller pictures and more samples from the various
periods, but it is still a very nice book. 80 pages.
40.
"Visiting the Mino Kilns" by Janet
Barriskill (1995).
This
is a helpful book for those interested in the Mino kilns. It also has a
translation of Arakawa Toyozo's "The Traditions and Techniques of Mino
Pottery". A great addition to my library and worth every penny.
41.
"Japanese Export Ceramics 1860-1920"
by Nancy Schiffer (2000). This book is lovely. There are many beautiful pieces
photographed in this book. Some are identified with age and marks. I did notice
that some marks are upside down which should have been checked by someone who
knows Japanese. There are spelling errors and errors in identification of
pieces. I consider this careless when publishing a book on Japanese ceramics!
There are some marks with no identification, which are available if researched
along with a Japanese reader familiar with Japanese ceramics. Although there
are some obvious flaws in the book, over all it is nice and has some helpful
information for those interested in exports from this time period.
42.
"Collector's Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics Book III"
by Carole Bess White (1998).
This
third in a series adds more marks, additional pieces of MIJ ware, patent
information and more. It adds to the information in books I and II.
43.
"Collector's Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics Book IV"
by Carole Bess White (2003). I believe this finishes off her series. It
adds to marks and pieces of MIJ ceramics from her previous books.
44.
"The
Collector's Encyclopedia Of Occupied Japan Collectibles 5th Series"
by Gene Florence (1994)
This
book does not show any of the hallmarks but does give a fairly good idea of
what was being produced in the MIOJ period. The forward has helpful information
about the markings in general. this will provide some help in identifying thins
from this period. Up on the bookshelf it goes!
45.
"Shino and Oribe Ceramics" by Ryoichi
Fujioka 1977
I
am just starting to read this book and It am excited to learn what it offers.
It has history, discusses the influence of the tea ceremony, included kilns,
marks and many pictures!! 178 pages.
46.
"A Connoisseur's Guide to Japanese Ceramics"
by Adalbert Klein (translated by Katherine Watson) 1987
I
just got this one. It is a large book! It discusses the history from the early
years through to the latter part of the twentieth century. It includes many
photographs, includes many of the styles, tea wares, and includes information
on many of the notable potters. 294 pages.
47.
"Pageant of Japanese Art, Ceramics and Metalwork"
Edited by staff members of the Tokyo National Museum. (1958)
This
is certainly a dated work, but helpful information from knowledgeable staff
members. Most of the pictures are small and in black and white. This is a good
addition to any library on Japanese ceramics and metal work, with pictures,
history and descriptions. 168 pgs.
48.
"The World of Japanese Ceramics"
by Herbert Sanders (1978)
With
entries by both Leach and Hamada expressing the value of the book, right off it
is a great addition to my library. This book deals with tools, techniques,
styles, and history of Japanese ceramics. This is filled with lots of helpful
information as has many pictures in both color and black and white. It
has maps, glossary and index. 267pgs.
49.
"Satsuma, An Illustrated Guide"
by Sandra Andacht (1978) 67 pgs. This little book is filled with pictures and
some helpful information on marks, styles, time frames for mostly Kyo- Satsuma
wares. It is a helpful quick reference!
50.
"The Living Treasures of Japan"
by Barbara Adachi with introduction by Bernard Leach (1973) 67pgs. I have just
received this book but so far it is a delight. Anyone who appreciates those who
are masters of their crafts will enjoy this book. It covers not just ceramics
but paper making, weaving and dying, woodworking, sword smithing, stencil cutting
and bamboo work. There are three main potters represented, Ken Fujiwara, Shoji
Hamada and Kyuwa Miwa. It has many wonderful pictures and the text is done in a
"mingei" style. I look forward to spending more time in this lovely
book.
51.
"Arts of Japan 2-Kyoto Ceramics"
by Masahiko Sato (1973), 133 pgs.
This
is a translated work from a 1968 Series Vol. 28 of "Nihon no
Bijutsu". Although somewhat dated it has basic information on Kyoto
ceramics, the origins and history, varieties of works and influential potters.
52.
"Japanese Collections in the Freer Gallery of Art, Seto
and Mino Ceramics" by Louise Allison Cort (1992) 254 pgs.
This
has nice summaries on the pieces covering 15th to 19th century. The book has
many color photographs.
53.
"Made in Occupied Japan: A Collector's Guide"
by Marian Klamkin (1976) 184pgs.
Many
examples of MIOJ items as well as common marks are included. It is a good
primer on the topic and includes some of the history behind it.
54.
"Bridging East and West, Japanese Ceramics from the Kozan
Studio" selections from the Perry Foundation (1994) 64
pgs.
This
has many lovely examples of Kozan's work in color photographs, with additional
historical information and marks!
55.
"Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain, Fifth
Series" by Joan F. Van Patten. (1998)
This
is helpful for comparing Nippon porcelain and has a few articles written with
additional historical information and updated values. As far as values go,
books like these are not very helpful in determining value as values for such
things go up and down all the time. Being fifth in her series, it has many new
pictures and some additional marks.
56.
"Ceramics of Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Living National Treasure of
Japan-A Retrospective" by Mingei International (2000) I LOVE
this book. I could look at it for hours. The book is filled with beautiful
color photographs of Shimaoka's works, his tools, his kiln, home and with him
at the potter wheel. It includes a forward by Sori Yanagi, words from Mr.
Shimaoka, along with tributes and commentary. Mr. Shimaoka's work inspires me
and I feel such warmth from his works. I truly stand in awe. This is a special
book in my library!
57.
"Japanese Ceramics" by Roy Andrew
Miller (after text by Seiichi Okuda, Fujio Koyama, Seizo Hayashiya, and others
with photographs by Manshichi Sakamoto, Tazaburo Yoneda and Yoshihiko Maejima)
1961. Lots of history and pictures of Japanese ceramics from early times
through time of first publication in 1960.
58.
"Hamada Potter" by Bernard
Leach (1990 paperback edition)
I
have wanted this book for quite a while, it just arrived in the mail.
This was written by a man who knew Shoji Hamada very well. They were a
large part of the "Mingei Movement". I have not read it yet, but
thumbing through the pages I can tell it will be a great read. There are many
pictures of Hamada and his work......can't wait to get started! **I just wanted
to add that after reading I can say that this is a delightful and inspirational
book of men who overcame many hardships to make the "Mingei" movement
succeed.
59.
"Imperial Japan: The Art of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) by
Frederick Baekeland and Martie W. Young 1980. 232pgs. This is an exhibition
catalog. It has some good history of the ups and downs in ceramics of the
period. It explains how ceramics were affected by the political, social, and
economic changes of the era. Some lovely pictures of the exhibition pieces are
in black and white with explanations. I would have like to have seen more of
the lesser quality wares and a discussion of how and where they fit into the
scheme of things.
60.
"The Grammer of Japanese Ornament"
by George Ashdown Audsley and Thomas W. Cutler, originally published in 1882
(1989 by Arch Cape Press) This book is fairly large with many wonderful pictures.
It includes the history, influences, and methods. It includes architecture,
sculpture, painting, lacquer, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, enamel and
decorative work.
61.
"Japanese Painted Porcelain, Modern Masterpieces in
Overglaze Enamel" Edited by the National Museum of
Modern Art, Tokyo. (1980) 245 pages.
This
is a large book with fabulous full-page images of some of the most beautiful
overgrazed enamel works by some of the most famous artists. There are also
pages at the back with commentaries of the pieces in the book.
62.
"Collecting Noritake A to Z, Art Deco & More"
by David Spain (1999) 208 pgs. This just arrived at my door today so I have not
had a chance to digest the whole book, but I already like the Art Deco focus
and the pages on marks. The salesman sample pages are quite interesting as
well. This is a good addition to the other books I have on Noritake, filling in
some holes the others are missing.
63.
"Mingei
of Japan: The Legacy of the Founders- Soetsu Yanagi, Shoji Hamada, Kanjiro
Kawai", Edited by Martha W. Longendecker. Published
by Mingei International Museum (2006)
This
is a lovely and inspiring book. The photos are fabulous and the background on
the Mingei Movement and its founders is moving.
64.
"The Art of Japan" by J. Edward
Kidder Jr. (1985) 319 pages This gives a nice overview of many of the wonderful
arts of Japan.
65.
"The Ceramic Art of Japan-A Handbook for Collector's"
by Hugo Musterberg (1964) 272pages
66. Japanese
Decorative Arts of the Meiji Period" by Oliver Impey
and Joyce Seaman (2005) 112pgs.
This is a nice little book. The
pictures are lovely. There are nice choices of various types of Japanese
decorative arts, with marks included.
67. "The
Golden Age of Karatsu Stoneware" by Francois Villemin (2013) 192 pgs. This is a fabulous book.
68. "Mingei
Folk Arts of Japan,
Collections of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria" (1979).
69."Japanese
Art Signatures"
by James Self and Nobuko Hirose (1987) 379 pgs. A very helpful resource!
70. "The Story of
Imari"
by Goro Shimura (2008) 200 pages. This is the "Go To" bible on Old
Imari in English. This book is an essential for any serious researcher or
collector of Old Imari.
71. "The
Ceramic Art of Japan"by
Hugo Munsterberg (1964)
Historical and informative though
somewhat outdated.
72
"Edo Art in Japan 1615-1868" National
Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. (1998-1999)
This
is a huge book filled with Edo period Art, with some classic Ceramic pieces.
History and background given.
73. "Japan,
The shaping of the daimyo culture 1185-1868". National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1998-1999)
480 pages. This is a large book filled with pictures and commentary
74."Lost
Innocence Folk Craft Potters of Onta Japan" by Brian Morean (1984) 252 pages. If you love
Onta pottery, or simply wish to learn the essence of folk craft, this is a must
read.
75. "Igezara" by
Alistair Seton (1992) This has many examples of Igezara along with marks and
general history.
76."The
Collector's Encyclopedia of Occupied Japan Collectibles" Third Series by Gene
Florence (1987, 1994) 136 pages
77." The Collector's Encyclopedia of
Occupied Japan Collectibles" 4th Series by Gene Florence (1990, 1993) 128
pages
78."The
Collector's Guide to Wall Pockets" by Marvin and Joy Gibson (1994) 330
pages. This book does not restrict itself to just Japanese, but there are many
Japanese examples here.
79."Wall
Pockets of the Past"by Fredda Perkins (1996) 160 pages. This covers wall
pockets from many countries. Japanese wall pockets begin on page 73.
80."Animal
Figures" by Mike Schneider (1990) 252 pages. This work includes made in
Japan figures but covers figures from other countries.
81."Buttons"
by Diana Epstein and Millicent Safro (1991) 176 pages. This book include
buttons from many countries but section on Japanese buttons is wonderful,
especially the section on Satsuma of the late 19th century.
82."Ningyo
The Art of the Japanese Doll” by Alan Scott Pate (2005) 288 pages. This include
ceramic dolls. If you like Japanese dolls this would be the
"go to" book on the subject.
83. "The Collector's Guide to Occupied Japan Collectibles" by Gene Florence (1976,1992) 107 pages.
84."The Collector's Guide to Occupied Japan Collectibles" Second Series by Gene Florence (1979,1993) 112 pages.
- "Splendors of Imperial Japan, Arts of the Meiji Period from the Khalili Collection" by Joe Earle (2002) 468 pgs.
- "Splendors of Meiji, Treasures of Imperial Japan, Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, The Curriculum Guide for Educators and Docents" by Robert Steven Bianchi (1999) 92 pgs.
87. "Quiet Beauty, Fifty Centuries of Japanese Folk Ceramics (2003)
