The Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata, in collaboration with the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and the Japan Foundation, presented Yakishime: Earth Metamorphosis—an exhibition that traces the evolution of Japanese high-fired ceramics from functional everyday objects to expressive sculptural art. Present were the dignitaries of the Japan Consulate, Consul-General of Japan in Kolkata, Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Deputy Consul-General of Japan Ashida Katsunori, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata, Arijit Dutta Chowdhury, and Deputy Director of Indian Museum, Kolkata, Sayan Bhattacharya.
Yakishime, firing unglazed wares at high temperatures, is said to be one of the most basic means to produce ceramics. The tradition embodied in these primordial wares continues unbroken to this day. This exhibition focused on Yakishime wares, as part of Japan’s traditional culture, and presented their history from the earliest examples to the present through Yakishime tea vessels, food vessels, and works that are transformations of Yakishime into non-utilitarian objects d’art, aiming to provide an excellent opportunity to communicate this distinctively Japanese sensibility and aesthetic to the people of the world.
Arijit Dutta Chowdhury said, “I’m sure there will be a lot of similarities with our culture. If someone does a deeper study on the process of ceramic making, they will find a lot of similarities between Japan and Bengal. Initially, the purpose of making these pots and pans was also similar; it was mainly for the storage of grains and food products, and water. Then, depending on the culture, it took various turns and bends; we moved in a different direction, and Japan went the other way.”
The exhibition showcases how the ceramic culture in Japan has gone through various phases. From ordinary to royalty, to the elites using the pottery for cosmetic reasons as well.
“We have a long history of ceramics; I suppose that India has a long history too. We have something in common, so I want the young Indians to see the Japanese culture and understand each other. It will be an important factor for both countries, so I hope this exhibition will be a success,” said the Consul-General of Japan.
“This is the third time we are collaborating with the Japan consulate and the Japan Foundation. This time we are focusing majorly on pottery, and because India has such a vivid civilisational history of pottery, it is very important for us to host such exhibitions,” said Sayan Bhattacharya.
Ashida Katsunori said, “This exhibition is the showcase of clay making from centuries back. Today, various exquisite designs are being made with this technique. The interesting thing is, the design has turned very complicated from simple. Today, it seems many of these ceramics are not perfect, but this is also a part of art. This is called Wabi-sabi in Japan. Finding beauty in imperfection. I am sure people will find this very fascinating.”
The exhibition is a time capsule into how the aesthetics of art in Japan has changed over time, and much like modern times, the pottery has also turned intricate, complicated, and imperfect, perhaps to reflect society today.