SHOJI HAMADA...A POTTER'S WAY AND WORK
BY SUSAN PETERSON

Published by Kodansha International Ltd.
Reviewed by Johann Polberg

Susan Peterson, American potter and teacher, has known
Shoji Hamada for twenty years. In preparation for the
writing of this book, she spent four months in the
house and workshop at Mashiko. Mrs. Peterson has
observed with keen perception and sensitivity the com-
plex and sophisticated personality of the great potter.
Hamada's singleness of vision, his enormous capacity
for work, his organizational ability, his innate
understanding of form and colour, work together in the
perfecting of his art. <A great patience and quietness
of spirit permeate his life.

The rhythm of work at the pottery rolls along like a
quiet stream. Everyone knows his job, down to the
little lad who keeps a bowl of steaming water ready at
the Master's wheel, and the cushion plumed up ready
for use. The firing of the big four-chamber kiln is

a story in itself. Everyone does his part and at the
end of the firing cycle there is a communal celebration.

The photographs, eighteen in colour and 254 in black
and white, are extremely interesting. One picture
shows Hamada's tools which are nearly al made by hand
from materials available in the compound.

Hamada's interest in antiques and his Museum House
show another fascinating side of his character. His
treasures, gathered from all over the world, include a
collection of chairs! The old house is zn antique
itself, and was moved in pieces from another part of
Japan to Mashiko and painstakingly restored.

While Hamada was in Tokyo for a big exhibition of his
work he is shown as an astute businessman in western
dress attending to his affairs. Most important the
author shows us a wise man who has much to offer us
all. Do read this book; it is not just about pottery,
it is about living.

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