Japanese Ceramics

I don’t think I have a knack for making ceramics. I’ve taken art classes where I tried pottery but things just didn’t click; I wasn’t really into the process (and that’s a pretty essential part of doing any sort of craft). I think I have a difficult time with creative activities that involve time requirements. I like to be able to walk away from a project at any time if I’m not feeling it, and then come back to it once I’m more motivated to work—and that’s too difficult to do in pottery (with clay drying out, the messiness factor and the cleanup process).

The one piece I’ve made that I actually like is a Japanese teacup (and I think most of the credit is due to the instructor who helped me). I wish I was more motivated to learn pottery, but I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy other people’s ceramic creations. Sometimes when you lack an ability to do something, it can make you appreciate the talent it took to create something even more.

I love the simplicity and naturalness of Japanese ceramics. Here are a few of pieces I picked up in Japan:

Black bowl with gold and silver design.

Rounded plate with leaf design.

Rectangular plate with leaf design.

Couple set of teacups with cherry blossoms.

Rice bowl with cherry blossoms petals—from the 100 yen shop.