Blast from the Past

In the earlier articles, introductions on ceramics in general were made. That included a brief definition, and explanation as to how ceramics are made. The impact of ceramics on Japan’s culture, history, as well as economy was also shortly discussed. A short recap on the previous article, the prehistoric period, specifically the Jomon period was elaborated. There were specifically three sub periods, namely, the prehistoric period (10500 BC – 2500 BC), wherein ceramics were designed through roping, and firing was done in open ditches. Pots were also huge. Second, the middle Jomon period (2500 BC – 1500 BC), wherein decorations improved through oriental touches resulting in a rather delicate kind of surrealistic swirls. The late Jomon period (1500 BC – 300 BC) introduced creating ceramics in a large number. Small figurines of ceramics were also introduced.

In this article, the succeeding period after the Jomon period will be discussed. Comparison between the evolution of Japanese ceramics then and the following periods would also be made.

As was named in the previous article, the succeeding period is the Yayoi period (300 BC – 300 AD). Aside from the development of ceramics, this period is notably famous for other reasons as well. Historically, this period is well known due to the cultural influence of Korean tribes who migrated to Japan. People used bronze, instead of clay, and were already highly skilled when it comes to the production of ceramics. Compared with the Jomon ceramics, Yayoi ceramics could even be called as plain. But due to the fact that people then used alluvial clay (a richer, thinner form of clay), Yayoi ceramics resulted from thinner-walled delicate shapes which is pleasing to the eye. It comes off with more elegance, more grace, and an aura of intricacy, even fragility. Most Yayoi vessels were plain, and unadorned. But what it lacked in adornment made for in graceful shapes and balance of form in natural colors of either black or red.

Medieval Stoneware

Now that the prehistoric period of ceramics have finished, the succeeding period would be from the medieval period. This is during the sixth and seventh centuries in Japan, where Chinese and Korean culture have been greatly assimilated by the Japanese. Some influence would be Buddhism, change of form of government, the system of writing, medicine, and more complex art forms. In the world of ceramics, more technically advanced and more complex skills were introduced. One would be the Chinese three-color lead glaze in earthenware. Another would be the Korean higher temperature firing techniques and a greater range of shapes, sizes, and colors.

More improvements during the medieval stoneware would be tackled in the next article!

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An Intro to Japanese Ceramics

Generally, Japan is viewed as one of Asia’s most preserved cultural and historical countries. There are different ways to preserve its culture. One way is to boost tourism by attracting foreigners from a variety of countries in order to showcase both the culture and the history with it, especially in the prefectures. Another way of showing it is to create traditional products, and even pass the knowledge on how to create said products just so other people, both local (those living in cities) and foreign, would get that exotic yet authentic feel on what is the essence of a Japanese. Other ways would be to integrate historical-cultural factor to mainstream media such as television shows, manga (Japanese comics, anime (Japanese cartoons), and even in fashion. Architecture is preserved as a sign of showing respect to the countless generations of Japanese communities living in historical areas.

There are a lot of traditional products so to speak, from literature to fashion, and even with food. Every aspect of the Japanese is a mixture of the past and the present. And a great example of one of Japan’s timeless yet historical product would be: ceramics.

What are ceramics? Ceramics or any ceramic art mean any art objects such as figures, tiles, and tableware made from clay and other raw materials by the process of pottery. Some ceramics are regarded as fine art, while others are regarded as decorative, industrial, or applied art objects that could be evident in artifacts that are associated with archaeology. Traditionally, ceramics are made individually, as molding clay into a perfected form is considered a highly artisan skill only potters are able to achieved. But due to technology, ceramics nowadays are mass-produced through factories. Economic status and time is also considered.

The word "ceramics" comes from the Greek “keramikos”, meaning "pottery", which in turn comes from “keramos”, meaning "potter's clay." Most traditional ceramic products were made from clay (or clay mixed with other materials), shaped and subjected to heat, and tableware and decorative ceramics are generally still made this way. In modern ceramic engineering usage, ceramics is the art and science of making objects from inorganic, non-metallic materials by the action of heat. It excludes glass and mosaic made from glass tesserae.

Japan, alongside countries such as China, Crete, Greece, Persia, Mayan, and Korea, are known for cultures involving pottery and ceramic with great importance, up to this day.

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The Japanese Ceramics Carrying Stork

The previous article introduced Japan itself, and the overall importance of preserving history and culture. Ways to be preserving said culture and history have been enumerated and elaborated. A short overview on Japanese ceramics as one of the most preserved Japanese traditional art forms has also been discussed. The definition of what a ceramic is, and a brief explanation on how it was formed was also explored. In this article, the background of Japanese ceramics and its entrance to Japan itself would be tackled. The title may be a bit misleading, but this article would cover the ‘birth’ of ceramics as both an art form and a tradition in Japan.

Prehistoric Ceramics

Before ceramics was even known as ceramics and for its artistic value, it already existed before the inclusive knowledge on pottery making was even introduced. Generally known globally, Japan has a rich tradition of designing, forming, and molding some truly unique and artistically fulfilling ceramics. The earliest recorded Japanese ceramics date back to the prehistoric Jomon (meaning “cord marked”) period, roughly from 10,500 BC to 300 BC. The early pieces of Jomon pieces are the usual large, cone shaped cooking pots. It has pointed bodies and the outer surfaces of the pots are usually designed with rope or cord patterns through stamping or rolling of the cord or the rope. These early pieces are formed by the coil method in which successive coils of clay are placed on each other. This created a thick, slightly irregular and highly built-up appearance. Since ovens, or outer kitchen have not been into existence during that period, baking or firing took place in open pits, or even informal dug out ditches. And since the heat rarely exceeded 700 degrees, the pots have resulted as low-fired ceramics or traditionally labeled as “earthenware” that are also generally water-soluble.

In the middle of the Jomon period (approximately 2500 BC to 1500 BC), pots are distinguished for the decorations. It included ovals, circles, spirals, and other designs that resemble human or animal faces. It could be best described as an oriental tribal design. Full of curves and flowing forms. Pots

of this period are highly unique and ornamented. The last period covering the Jomon period (estimated around 1500 BC to 300 BC), ceramics have grown to the introduction on creation of large numbers, and as small figurines, which are both animistic and of course, as artistic in the execution.

But wait! The history of Japanese have not stopped there. Stay tuned for the next article covering the period that everybody loves, the Yayoi period, and the succeeding periods and the evolution of Japanese ceramics!

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