Hamada, Potter

Shōji Hamada and Bernard Leach are among the most important figures in the ceramic world of the last century. They have established standards of craft in their own countries and have influenced artist-potters everywhere. Although Hamada's work is internationally famous, his life, his ideas, and techniques are still not widely known. In this profile, Leach has captured Hamada the whole man, his friend of over fifty-five years.

This ongoing dialogue between the two men traces Hamada's development from the first crystallization of his aim to be a potter until the time of this publication, revealing his ideas on materials and techniques, his insights into work and aesthetics, and his unique way of life.

This volume goes beyond biography or technical exegesis: it opens a window onto the creativity of a potter who points a way for the craft world of today.

Featuring a handmade cover with 100% natural materials - Japanese washi paper and urushi.

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.

Edition: 1975, 1st. Rare, out of print.