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[September 2000]
Saga Contemporary Ceramics from the Home of Japanese Porcelain
The work of the Saga Ceramic Art Association embodies the respect for tradition and high technical excellence that underlies all of Japan's arts and crafts. The British Museum is delighted to be the venue for such an important loan exhibition of 124 new works by the 62 members of the Association. The works, while mindful of the past, also reveal a vitality and imagination that will ensure Saga ceramics will continue to thrive into the new millennium.
The history of Saga Prefecture as a ceramics producer began four hundred years ago when the area, formed part of the pre-modern province of Hizen. The first Japanese porcelain was made there after clay suitable for porcelain production was discovered at lzumiyama mountain. Clay from this region continues to this day to be the prime source for Saga porcelain. The secrets of porcelain manufacture were brought to Japan by Korean potters, who emigrated in the late 16th century after the Japanese invasions. Many of these potters were brought to Hizen and kilns sprang up initially producing pieces in the traditional Korean style (this style, which became known as Karatsu, after the town upon which it was centred, was very popular in Japan at this time and was used in the Tea Ceremony) followed by Chinese influenced porcelain wares.
Other fine examples of Saga pottery will be on display, including derivatives of old Korean styles, and Chinese styles represented by tenmoku - black and brown pieces in both traditional and imaginative contemporary shapes. Sgraffito pieces are also included alongside Karatsu glazes, wheel-thrown and hand-formed pieces, some of which have been produced using the tataki method, using paddles to beat the inside and outside of the vessel to make it strong.
The British Museum is delighted to announce that many of the exhibits are expected to be generously donated to the Museum's collections. These will sit alongside the Museum's comprehensive collection of early ceramics from Saga and will allow the whole story of Saga ceramics to be told for centuries to come.
ENDS