Rare Vintage Book "Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics" by Masakazu Kusakabe

Vintage Book Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics by Masakazu Kusakabe

A comprehensive and highly regarded reference on traditional and contemporary Japanese wood-fired ceramics, exploring kiln design, firing methods, surface effects, and ash phenomena. This volume combines technical instruction with visual documentation, featuring extensive photography of finished works and close-ups illustrating firing results such as hi-iro, shizenyu, and yohen effects.

Written by Masakazu Kusakabe with Marc Lancet, the book bridges Japanese ceramic tradition with Western studio practice. It is widely used by potters, ceramic artists, and collectors as both a practical guide and visual reference. Richly illustrated throughout, it includes kiln diagrams, process charts, and comparative examples of surface effects produced by wood firing.

Published in 2005 by kp books, this title remains a standard reference for understanding the aesthetics and technical complexity of Japanese wood-fired ceramics. ISBN: 0873497422

Author: Masakazu Kusakabe and Marc Lancet
Publisher: kp books (F+W Publications imprint)

Publication Date: 2005
Format: Softcover
Illustrations: Extensive color photographs and diagrams throughout

Condition: Very good vintage condition with light handling wear consistent with age; interiors clean and intact.

The methods, materials and aesthetic appreciation of Japanese wood firing are explained in exquisite detail in Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics. This ancient technique is a favorite among ceramic artists and instructors around the world, and this superior resource offers artists valuable insight into this nearly 1,000-year-old tradition.

Techniques, traditionally passed on through apprenticeships that last nearly a decade, are explained in detailed instructions, including more than 700 illustrations and color photos. The complexities of loading and firing a wood kiln, unique glazes and firing techniques used to obtain surface effects, and experimental approaches are discussed in this reference. This optimum resource offers artists an additional bonus with instructions for creating two kilns, including the authors' famous Dancing Fire Wood Kiln.

-Details of ancient Japanese wood-firing methods are covered

-Features 700+ color photos to guide artists in learning methods

-Directions for building two kiln offers artists opportunities to build their own