"Much of the pottery used in Japanese homes is made by hand in some mountain village.
The people in the village raise rice when the weather is good and make pottery to sell during the cold months. This pottery is always simple in shape and color. It is both beautiful and useful."
(Dragon-fly Land: Japan, by Bonnie Belshe, 1955.)
Diary Entry: April 13, 1954
"Our anniversary (13th). Left early with McKnights & drove thru rural area to Kamitachikui to home of former Kwansei Gakuin student who wrote thesis on cottage industry--winter make pottery, summer-rice. Saw clay pits, potters, kilns, showroom.
Pottery everywhere & at every house. After visit to kilns went back to house for cake & coffee.
Children served coffee too. Student changed to white shirt & coat before eating with us. Gave us pottery as gifts. Came home by Arima. Had sukiyaki in hot springs hotel. Everyone tired but happy. Very late getting home."
Thank you Ann. You have some wonderful photos on this blog - so great that you are taking the time to put it all on line.
ReplyDeleteMike, I am so sorry to discover that I didn't reply to your comment long ago! Thanks so much for your encouragement!
DeleteWonderful to see these simple folks making a life with the art of pottery. And judging from the photo's it is definitely an art.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann, and as always do feel free to post it on The Vintage Life Also.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed seeing this post. It is a glimpse of life we don't often have the opportunity to see, and to see it from so long ago seems special somehow. Thanks so very much for your always thoughtful and encouraging words! I truly appreciate it.
DeleteI am very glad you have them. I am ordinary Japanese but I hope political member find out this site！ how beautiful how wonderful in dragonfly！… I said thank you ！Arigatou much thanks！あん💖
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for writing! I'm delighted that you visited the blog and I hope you'll see some more of the posts about Japan, even though they are from so long ago. Your comment is very thoughtful and I appreciate it a lot!
DeleteVery special to read this and see you preserve history Ann. Remarkable tales make a blessing for others, thank you. Levi Imani
ReplyDeleteHello, Levi. Thank you so much for both of your thoughtful comments here. I am working hard to preserve whatever family history and experiences I can so that they will be there for the interest and curiosity of anyone in the future. Thanks again! I appreciate your comments.
DeleteRemarkable to see you preserve history. Great photography and well written. Thanks, Levi Imani
ReplyDelete