Bernard Leach

 

Known as the “Father of British studio pottery,” Bernard Leach, like Shoji Hamada, brought forth a significant art history movement. Leach took on the apprenticeship of sixth-generation Japanese potters who followed an Edo period artist called Ogata Kenzan. He managed to earn the title of Kenzan VII—a name for seventh-generation Kenzan potters—before returning to England and finding Leach Pottery in Cornwall, England, with Shoji Hamada. Most of Leach’s pottery was traditionally designed with Asian styles, specifically raku ware. This movement consists of Japanese hand-molded earthenware glazed with a lead in Kyoto in the 16th century. Wares were originally designed for tea ceremonies until the raku style created artwork from existing forms of art. Throughout his career, Leach helped organize the International Conference of Potters and Weavers and apprenticed many artists who followed his art style and beliefs at Leach Pottery until he lost eyesight. Before his death in May 1979, Leach continued practicing ceramics by writing books about his art style and the people whose ideas he followed.

The picture above depicts a pot that was made in the raku ware style. I am not sure what this piece is called, even though I searched for its possible title. Either way, I enjoy the pot’s color and design. The green shade is very appealing to look at, and its contrast against the streaks of brown complements it more. The holey designs in the green look like bird feathers to me, and the width of the pot accentuate it to look almost like a 3D bird pattern.