A Global History of Japanese Ceramics

This is an accessible book about the history of ceramics in Japan, containing the most up-to-date research based on new archaeological findings and introducing critical studies from Japan for English-speaking readers. From everyday vessels to ritualistic objects and works of art, ceramics have played crucial roles in Japanese aesthetics, society, and culture for over 12,000 years. This book aims to offer the first multi-author comprehensive study in English of ceramics in Japan, spanning the prehistoric to modern eras. Its authors, leading scholars based on three continents, employ an array of innovative approaches, ranging from the explanation of archaeological findings to analysis of archival and museum sources to first-person accounts from contemporary curators and ceramicists. This book is a pivotal resource for students, scholars, and academics with an interest in the history of ceramics in Japan and beyond.