This October 2008 issue of Me no Me (目の眼) is a specialist Japanese publication dedicated to antiques, traditional crafts, ceramics, and classical art. Known for its beautifully photographed objects and knowledgeable approach to collecting, Me no Me is an excellent reference for anyone interested in Japanese material culture and the history of craftsmanship.
The principal feature of this issue is 「古唐津 ― 肥前陶器に流れる唐津の血脈」 (Ko-Karatsu – The Lineage of Karatsu within Hizen Ceramics), exploring the fascinating world of Ko-Karatsu (古唐津), or Old Karatsu ware.
Karatsu pottery developed in the Hizen region of Kyushu and became one of Japan's most celebrated traditions of early glazed stoneware. Particularly admired within the world of the tea ceremony, old Karatsu pieces are valued for their natural clay bodies, expressive glazes, restrained decoration, and irregularities created through firing. Rather than seeking perfect uniformity, their beauty often lies in subtle variations of texture, glaze, form, and kiln effects.
The cover features a beautifully aged Karatsu tea bowl, its crackled surface and earthy tones perfectly expressing the rustic aesthetic for which Karatsu ware is admired.
The issue examines the historical development and characteristics of Ko-Karatsu and Hizen ceramics, making it an especially interesting reference for collectors of Japanese pottery, chawan, and tea ceremony utensils.
Size: 15 x 21cm
Pages: 144
