Following its successful world tour, the “Yakishime – Earth Metamorphosis” exhibition has finally found a home at Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre (RCAC) where it will remain on show until September 26.
Curated by Mieko Iwata for the Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art, this exhibition unveils the intricate craft of Yakishime pottery production through a mesmerizing display of 90 exhibits spanning ancient to modern creations.
Upon crossing the threshold of the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre, visitors are transported to the very origins of Yakishime—a remarkable Japanese ceramic technique.
Yakishime – Earth Metamorphosis brings 90 pieces of Yakishime pottery to Bangkok. Photo/Courtesy of Embassy of Japan in Thailand
At its core, Yakishime embodies the alchemical transformation of clay into glass through the dense firing process. This technique involves firing unglazed clay pieces within ana gama, or cave ovens, at searing temperatures. The outcome is a glass-like pottery, but the true magic lies in the interplay of ash and clay. The fusion of these elements gives birth to captivayating and unforeseeable patterns, creating a natural ash glaze. This exquisite dance between ash and flame results in uniquely patterned surfaces, breathing life into each firing.
The origins of Yakishime ceramics can be traced back to the 4th and 5th centuries. However, it was during the 12th to 17th centuries that the technique firmly established itself, becoming a cornerstone of ceramic production in pivotal centres across Japan such as Bizen, Shigaraki, and Tokoname. At the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre, you’ll be able to closely examine some of the earliest Yakishime pieces, including the Heian period’s Sueki Ware wide-mouthed jar and the Momoyama Period’s Bizen Ware Jar.
Upon closer inspection, the “Yakishime – Earth Metamorphosis” exhibition unveils three distinct realms of fascination.
The first collection, “Yakishime as Tea Wares,” delves into how forward-thinking tea enthusiasts elevated ordinary ceramics to exquisite tea ware during the Momoyama period (1574–1600). Everyday items like vases and freshwater jars were transformed into art, bridging history with the present. Standout pieces include the dual-handled water jar and the Bizen-style tea bowl, masterfully crafted by esteemed Japanese potters Kaneshige Toyo and Kakurezaki Ryuichi, respectively.
“Yakishime as Tea Wares” is part of the Japanese pottery exhibition in Bangkok. Photo/Courtesy of Embassy of Japan in Thailand
Transitioning to the second collection, the focus seamlessly blends Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) with Yakishime. Here, the ceramics transcend utility to merge harmoniously with Japan’s culinary mastery. Elevating function to art, these utensils adorn delectable dishes, embodying Japanese dining culture with elegance.
In the third collection, Yakishime evolves beyond function, embracing diverse artistic expressions. Witness groundbreaking pieces that redefine creativity, such as Sago Michiko’s mesmerizing “Objet” from 2015 and Tanaka Tomomi’s enchanting “core” sculpture from 2006. This segment sparks the imagination, unveiling Yakishime’s transformation into captivating objets d’art that defy convention and celebrate innovation.
Art enthusiasts delve into the intricate craft of Yakishime pottery at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre (RCAC). Photo/Courtesy of RCAC
All 40 pieces of Yakishime pottery are sourced from various corners, spanning private collections to national art museums, many hailing from renowned Japanese potters like the visionary Shimamura Hikaru. His works transcend the boundaries of traditional Bizen ware, radiating a distinct style merging humour, nostalgia, and poetic essence. A standout example is the “Ryu Issei” Incense Burner featured in the third collection. From the initial angle, this pottery might evoke the image of a seahorse. However, as you move around it, different perspectives come into play, revealing its resemblance to both a dragon and a rooster.
The “Yakishime – Earth Metamorphosis” exhibition is showing at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre until September 26, 2023. RCAC warmly welcomes visitors from 10am to 7pm, except on Mondays and public holidays. After its Bangkok sojourn, the exhibition will journey to Khon Kaen province, gracing the Faculty of Fine Arts Gallery at Khon Kaen University from October 7 to November 26.
From the initial angle, this pottery might evoke the image of a sea house. However, as you move around it, different perspectives come into play, revealing its resemblance to both a dragon and a rooster.
By Thai PBS World Feature Desk
