Uncommon Clay

Rating:
Summary: Sublime work of a colorful character
Review: By the same publishing house that brought us Hamada Potter, Uncommon Clay has a very similar layout and feel. Beginning with one of the only significant catalogs of Rosanjin's work in print, the book moves into a collection of Rosanjin's writngs, most of them some form of memoir. Considered the "Picasso of Japan," not because his work was similar, but because of his temperament. Firey, inconsistent, boisterous and bullying, Rosanjin always announced his own presence in every situation. Seemingly the opposite of the image that is promoted of the contemplative, Zen-serious potter, Rosanjin created a body of work out of necessity. As a famous restauranteur, he needed dinnerware to match the quality of the food his kitchens prepared, and the quality, charm, humor and sheer beauty of the resulting crafts cannot be denied. Uncommon Clay is an important view into the life of one of the century's great characters and craftsmen.

Rating:
Summary: Sublime work of a colorful character
Review: By the same publishing house that brought us Hamada Potter, Uncommon Clay has a very similar layout and feel. Beginning with one of the only significant catalogs of Rosanjin's work in print, the book moves into a collection of Rosanjin's writngs, most of them some form of memoir. Considered the "Picasso of Japan," not because his work was similar, but because of his temperament. Firey, inconsistent, boisterous and bullying, Rosanjin always announced his own presence in every situation. Seemingly the opposite of the image that is promoted of the contemplative, Zen-serious potter, Rosanjin created a body of work out of necessity. As a famous restauranteur, he needed dinnerware to match the quality of the food his kitchens prepared, and the quality, charm, humor and sheer beauty of the resulting crafts cannot be denied. Uncommon Clay is an important view into the life of one of the century's great characters and craftsmen.