Utsuwa Katachi | Japanese Ceramics and Forms

The Japanese word utsuwa literally means 'vessel' or 'container' and generally refers to any type of cup, plate, bowl, or pot. Unlike mass-produced tableware, spontaneously created ceramics are momentary and fleeting, with an incomparable warmth and aesthetic pleasure. This art form arises from the specific clay used, the thickness and flow of the glaze, and the condition of the kiln. A single piece depends on the unique balance of all these factors, and each piece is unique; encounters with Utsuwa are considered one-time experiences. This book contains a selection of beautifully photographed utsuwa by specialized ceramists.