Shoji Hamada (1894-1978) was famous for producing wares in the village of Mashiko, which has been the largest center for folk pottery in Japan since the 1930s.

Shoji Hamada (1894-1978) was famous for producing wares in the village of Mashiko, which has been the largest center for folk pottery in Japan since the 1930s.

The folding fan (ogi) appears frequently on Japanese textiles, as a simplified form scattered across the surface of a Noh robe or as the nucleus of a design, as on this bedding cover.

Chinese ceramic art has a long history covering thousands of years, and the quality of the works is among the finest in the world. Experimentation with clays and techniques characterized Chinese ceramics throughout history, resulting in continuing improvements and new technologies. Refinement of shape and decorative finish emerged as an ongoing standard of production, leading to elaborate factory systems of specialized labor. 

This stately image of the Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru in Sanskrit), who is identified by the small medicine jar he holds in his left hand, projects a sense of calm reserve and gentle approachability.  In Japan, the worship of Yakushi began to flourish as early as the 7th century.  H

Sue ware was a style of gray stoneware produced from the 5th to 10th century CE in East Asia. The technique for Sue ware migrated from the Korean peninsula to Japan in the 5th and 6th centuries, as a result of Japanese invasions of Korea.