Potters and Patrons in Edo Period Japan

'A treasure of a book! This absorbing story of a warrior domain's sponsorship of ceramic production over three centuries spans economic and aesthetic aspects. Nothing comparable exists in English, or Japanese.' Louise Cort, author, Shigaraki, Potters' Valley 'This welcome and important book traces the development of Takatori ware... [S]ources are all meticulously investigated in this book, the first full volume dedicated to Takatori ware either in English or Japanese, and Maske skilfully weaves them together to bring to life the fascinating story for the developing pottery and the remarkable family of potters who ran it... the detailed scholarly analysis is used to illuminate the broader historical context, resulting in a book that makes a valuable contribution not just to the field of Japanese ceramic history but also to the history of the tea ceremony and to the study of trade and urban development and of Tokugawa political history... The book is illustrated with examples of Takatori ware from each of the seven workshop locations, some never published before... Potters and Patrons is clearly and engagingly written, the author's enthusiasm for his subject shining through on every page. Quite apart from its scholarly contribution to the knowledge of Takatori wares, this book provides excellent insights into many aspects relating to the wider history of Japanese ceramic history with great succinctness and clarity, whether it be the developing role of Japanese ceramics within the tea ceremony, the role of Korean potters within Japan, or the functions of the different types of official han kilns during the Edo period. With its detailed discussion of stylistic characteristics and dating, the book will also be of great value to collectors.' Journal of Japanese Studies