The Japanese world utsuwa literally means vessel or container, and commonly refers to any kind of cup, plate, dish, or pot. Unlike mass-produced crockery, the spontaneous ceramic form is momentary and fleeting, with an unparalleled warmth and aesthetic pleasure.
This art form emerges from the particular clay or raw material used, the thickness and flow of the glaze, and the condition of the kiln. An individual piece depends on the distinct balance between all of these factors, and each piece is one-of-a-kind; encounters with utsuwa are said to be once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This book features gorgeously photographed pieces by a selection of specialised ceramists.
