Ceramics in Japan is more varied and developed than in any other country in the world. Over 20,000 working potters produce pots for the Way of Tea, Ikebana and functional cullinary ware. Here are just a few of my many favorite potters.

Hamanaka Gesson
Hamanaka-san lives and works in the pottery town of Hagi. However, his works represent a wide range of styles, from far beyond the limits of his town. Be sure to click on each of these photos to see a larger image.

Otani Shiro
Otani-san is a master potter from the Shigaraki district. Otani-san's work is very contemporary, while at the same time, maintaining a strong reference to traditional Shigaraki ware.

Fukami Sueharu
Fukami-san's sculptural shapes are intense and dramatic, yet retain delicacy. His celedon color is free of the crackles that are traditionally associated with that form.

The two foremost dealers specializing in fine contemporary Japanese ceramics for the English-speaking world are:
Joan Mirviss
Robert Yellin