Mottled Black and Yellow Ribbed Bowl

MakerMade by Bernard Leach (Hong Kong, 1887 - 1979)

Datec. 1939

Object NameBowl

Mediumstoneware

ClassificationsCeramics

DimensionsOverall: Diameter: 13.3 cm, Height: 11.4 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1940 by the Contemporary Art Society.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS006516

Keywords

About MeThis mottled black and yellow bowl, with an ovoid ribbed body, everted rim and small foot, features many of the hallmarks found in everyday Japanese pottery, an area of great influence for Bernard Leach's work.

There is a long tradition of Japanese ceramic production influencing Western potters and ceramists stretching back several centuries. The seed of artistic stimulation planted firmly in the West during the 17th century, when the first Japanese porcelain was imported into Europe, continued to grow and spread. Artists adopted and experimented with traditional Japanese forms, styles and methods of decoration.

The main focus for some time had been the fine porcelain produced for the export market. However attention shifted in the late 19th century towards other forms of Japanese pottery. Probably the most important advocate of this approach was Bernard Leach (1887 - 1979), who is widely regarded as the father of the modern pottery movement and has certainly been an influence on the Studio Pottery movement in Britain.

Leach is well known for combining the oriental approach to ceramics with indigenous British traditions, making by hand everyday pottery as an alternative to mass-produced factory ware. Born in Hong Kong, he learnt Japanese pottery techniques studying under Ogata Kenzan. He returned to England in 1920 with Japanese potter Shoji Hamada (1894-1978) and set up his renowned workshop in St Ives on Japanese lines with the first oriental style kiln in Europe.

Over the years he attracted many pupils: through them and their pupils in turn the Leach tradition continued. In the 1940s Leach's most influential work, A Potter's Book, was published. It was the first manual to deal with both the technical and philosophical aspects of ceramics and quickly became the standard reference volume for potters.

Much like the Japanese tradition of craftsmen passing down their skills from generation to generation, the Leach family legacy endures with their sons and grandsons all leading potters in the field. The British Studio Pottery tradition is a movement that continues with great strength. Many artists have found themselves inextricably drawn to Japan and the Orient for inspiration, carrying on many of the philosophies encouraged by Bernard Leach and his family.