- Hardcover
- Publisher: Transatlantic Arts (1972)
- ASIN: B000TBISZY
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After ten years of Pottery (at the level of serious hobbyist) I finally read the Leach magnum opus, and feel rather like the foolish convert to a religion who has only just got around to reading its holy book. All potters should read it. For studio pottery, this is where it starts.
The first two chapters are philosophical and chewy. It is soon apparent that Leach was a towering intellectual and polymath as well as a turning-point in the history of art. They reward reading, and explain why he regards the pots of the Sung (Song) dynasty as superior to everything else. From the third chapter the content is more practical but still, and brilliantly, infused with Leach's strong opinions about what's good and what's bad. And that's why the book is such a good read, it's a far remove from modern pottery texts, which are either dry technical manuals (all be it with glossy photos to make them look like coffee table books) or magazine articles (Ceramic Review) in pure arty-farty-Tate-Modern speak. Leach, sensible, passionate, technically detailed and evangelical about good style all at the same time, is deeply, joyously refreshing.
A few parts are obsolete - enjoinders to paint the iron hoops on your glaze barrels to prevent rust contamination - but nonetheless fascinating as technical history. What was happening in the world in September 1939? Why there was a firing at St Ives of course, and here is the detailed report, with firing log (a thing of artistic beauty in itself) and a description of a week in his workshop done in the form of an exchange of letters.
Full of bits you never knew - "Oh, so that's why it's done that way!" - and bits you'll want to write out as inspiring quotations to treasure. Old, out of publication at the moment (what a sin!) but a true inspiration, which I'm sure, will be a lasting one to any reader.
The first two chapters are philosophical and chewy. It is soon apparent that Leach was a towering intellectual and polymath as well as a turning-point in the history of art. They reward reading, and explain why he regards the pots of the Sung (Song) dynasty as superior to everything else. From the third chapter the content is more practical but still, and brilliantly, infused with Leach's strong opinions about what's good and what's bad. And that's why the book is such a good read, it's a far remove from modern pottery texts, which are either dry technical manuals (all be it with glossy photos to make them look like coffee table books) or magazine articles (Ceramic Review) in pure arty-farty-Tate-Modern speak. Leach, sensible, passionate, technically detailed and evangelical about good style all at the same time, is deeply, joyously refreshing.
A few parts are obsolete - enjoinders to paint the iron hoops on your glaze barrels to prevent rust contamination - but nonetheless fascinating as technical history. What was happening in the world in September 1939? Why there was a firing at St Ives of course, and here is the detailed report, with firing log (a thing of artistic beauty in itself) and a description of a week in his workshop done in the form of an exchange of letters.
Full of bits you never knew - "Oh, so that's why it's done that way!" - and bits you'll want to write out as inspiring quotations to treasure. Old, out of publication at the moment (what a sin!) but a true inspiration, which I'm sure, will be a lasting one to any reader.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Wonderful book, get it in Hard back if you can, because you're going to want to have this on your shelf for ever! Zen and the art of the potter, less really is so much more...
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
The potter's bible...aptly named
24 July 2011
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The first chapter of this book should be read by every potter before their first day of class. That is to avoid being scoffed at. Seriously, if you are someone who is involved with clay on any level, read this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
From the dust jacket flap
1 Aug 2009
This is the first treatise by a potter on the workshop traditions which have been handed down by Koreans and Japanese from the greatest period of Chinese ceramics in the Sung dynasty. It is the outcome of twenty-five years' work in the Far East and in England, and deals with four types of pottery, Japanese raku, English slipware, stoneware, and Oriental porcelain.
The author shows us how to apply pottery standards similar to those which hold good for other forms of art, such as music and literature. The student of pottery learns how to adapt recipes of pigments and glazes, and designs of kilns, to local conditions. In the last chapter a vivid workshop picture is given of the making of a kiln-load of pots stage by stage and problem by problem from start to finish. The position of the individual or artist-potter in an industrial age is also touched upon.
This is a book primarily for the hand of the craftsman and the school, with a strong interest for all lovers of pots and for those who are interested in the cultural relationship of East and West.
"Mr. Leach has worked for a quarter of a century first in the Far East and more recently in England, and his output combines the best qualities of both worlds."--Times Literary Supplement.
The author shows us how to apply pottery standards similar to those which hold good for other forms of art, such as music and literature. The student of pottery learns how to adapt recipes of pigments and glazes, and designs of kilns, to local conditions. In the last chapter a vivid workshop picture is given of the making of a kiln-load of pots stage by stage and problem by problem from start to finish. The position of the individual or artist-potter in an industrial age is also touched upon.
This is a book primarily for the hand of the craftsman and the school, with a strong interest for all lovers of pots and for those who are interested in the cultural relationship of East and West.
"Mr. Leach has worked for a quarter of a century first in the Far East and more recently in England, and his output combines the best qualities of both worlds."--Times Literary Supplement.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
A classic
11 May 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A must read for any serious potter.
The Leach family continues the same tradition, producing amazing work. Too bad this is not being rebulished.
The Leach family continues the same tradition, producing amazing work. Too bad this is not being rebulished.
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