Bernard Leach (1887−1979)
Large Dish
Dated 1935
Signed “BL 1935” on foot
With a box signed by the artist (1935)
W48.3 x H9.2 cm
Further images
This work is dated 1935. Bernard Leach arrived in Japan in April, 1934, to visit Mashiko, Kyoto, and Fujina in Shimane, where he made many works. In 1935, Leach spent the new year in Karuizawa, and continued work-making in Kyushu, San’in, and Kinki regions. Before heading for home, Leach exhibited at the farewell exhibition at Takashimaya in Tokyo with Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro.
Examining Leach’s later works, this work is possibly made at the Funaki kiln in Fujina. The design and Leach’s sign of this work are executed in the traditional Japanese tsutsugaki technique. The application of Japanese clay and glaze harmonizes with the typical Leach art that is mainly cultivated in China, Korea, and Saint Ives.
In the center of this dish, Leach outlines the design in dark lines on top of dark reddish brown glaze. The composition appears as a landscape, which in fact consists a representation of a human figure fishing on a boat. Leach might have seen this tranquil scene along his trips around the world.
Moreover, the same design is depicted by Leach on the wooden storage box of the work.
Bernard Leach (potter; 1887–1979)
Hong Kong-born British potter. A former painter. Inspired by Japan’s folk crafts’ aesthetics and learnt pottery-making afterwards. Active in the Mingei Movement. Close to Yanagi Muneyoshi, Tomimoto Kenkichi, and Hamada Shoji throughout his life. His restrained and graceful style left great influence to modern Japanese crafts-making.
Examining Leach’s later works, this work is possibly made at the Funaki kiln in Fujina. The design and Leach’s sign of this work are executed in the traditional Japanese tsutsugaki technique. The application of Japanese clay and glaze harmonizes with the typical Leach art that is mainly cultivated in China, Korea, and Saint Ives.
In the center of this dish, Leach outlines the design in dark lines on top of dark reddish brown glaze. The composition appears as a landscape, which in fact consists a representation of a human figure fishing on a boat. Leach might have seen this tranquil scene along his trips around the world.
Moreover, the same design is depicted by Leach on the wooden storage box of the work.
Bernard Leach (potter; 1887–1979)
Hong Kong-born British potter. A former painter. Inspired by Japan’s folk crafts’ aesthetics and learnt pottery-making afterwards. Active in the Mingei Movement. Close to Yanagi Muneyoshi, Tomimoto Kenkichi, and Hamada Shoji throughout his life. His restrained and graceful style left great influence to modern Japanese crafts-making.