Kamei Miraku - by Andrew Maske & Miraku Kamei (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Being born into a traditional Japanese artistic family means inheriting more than just a craft-it includes a family name, artistic style, tools, property, clientele, and a deep-rooted legacy. While this heritage offers valuable resources and prestige, it also carries significant responsibility. The Takatori lineage dates back over 400 years and began when Korean potter Hachizåo was brought to Japan by warlord Kuroda Nagamasa to produce ceramics for the powerful Kuroda domain. Through generations, the Takatori potters weathered political turmoil and shifts in patronage, evolving to meet the aesthetic demands of the tea ceremony elite. In the 20th century, Miraku Kamei XIII emerged as the leader in preserving and modernizing Takatori ware, a mission carried forward by his grandson, Miraku XIV. Today, Miraku Kamei XV continues to balance tradition with innovation amid economic and urban change. His son, Hisaaki Kamei, brings fresh techniques and glazes, helping guide the family's "urban pottery studio," which honors the history, identity, and accomplishments of the past while ensuring the continuity of the family into the future"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Being born into a traditional Japanese artistic family means inheriting more than just a craft--it includes a family name, artistic style, tools, property, clientele, and a deep-rooted legacy. The Takatori lineage dates back over 400 years and began when Korean potter Hachizo was brought to Japan by warlord Kuroda Nagamasa to produce ceramics for the powerful Kuroda domain. Through generations, the Takatori potters weathered political turmoil and shifts in patronage, evolving to meet the aesthetic demands of the tea ceremony elite.

Today, Miraku Kamei XV balances the Takatori tradition with modernization amid economic and urban change. Andrew Maske's book explores fifteen generations of this family of master potters, honoring their history, identity, and innovative expression.

About the Author

Andrew L. Maske has authored numerous articles on Asian art, culture, and ceramics, and was a major contributor to the Metropolitan Museum's exhibition catalogue Turning Point: Oribe and the Arts of Sixteenth Century Japan. He is the author of several books, including A Force of Nature: The Ceramic Art of Randy Johnston.