Making Ceramics 1800 - 1854

This hanging scroll, "Making Ceramics," by Eiraku Hozen, depicts a group of Japanese artisans engaged in the delicate process of pottery making. The artist uses subtle washes of ink and color to capture the movement and atmosphere of the scene. The smoke billowing from a nearby kiln suggests the heat and energy of the work, while the figures themselves appear focused and dedicated to their craft. A man carrying a load of clay on his back, highlights the laborious aspects of the pottery industry in Edo Period Japan. The scroll provides an intimate glimpse into the everyday life and artistic traditions of 19th-century Japan.