Zubair Qureshi
A travelling pottery exhibition “Yakishime: Earth Metamorphosis”, one of the most basic and primitive means of producing ceramics, opened at the National Art Gallery of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for visitors to get familiar with this unique and centuries old cultural facet of Japan.
Japan Foundation had organized the exhibition to showcase the depth of traditional Japanese cultural heritage from its earliest origins to contemporary works.
Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Syed Jamal Shah along with Ambassador of Japan Wada Mitsuhiro and DG of the PNCA Ayoub Jamali inaugurated the exhibition which will remain open until February 29.
The event was attended by a large number of guests including artists, art lovers, diplomats and staff members of the PNCA and the Embassy of Japan.
Jamal Shah who has recently been elected President of the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) said yakishime was the primitive form of the Japanese art form and described the event as a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of yakishime from and its ancient roots to contemporary expressions.
This captivating exhibition showcases a traditional Japanese ceramics technique yakishime (firing unglazed wares at extremely high temperatures) and introduces its history and evolution that has developed in distinctive directions in Japan from 4th and 5th centuries through present day, he said and appreciated the Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan for organizing and introducing the Japanese art to the Pakistani audience.
The exhibition features over 80 exquisite pieces from the earliest examples to the present through yakishime wares, tea vessels, food vessels, jars, containers and more that have become an essential part of everyday life in Japan.
It also presents a wide range of non-utilitarian objects created by the contemporary ceramic artists working in yakishime styles aiming to provide an opportunity to communicate this distinctively Japanese sensibility and aesthetic to the people abroad.
Ambassador Wada, speaking at the inaugural ceremony, expressed his deep admiration for this time-honored traditional Japanese art of producing ceramic art and crafts, and said that “one of the unique characteristics of Japanese culture is the fusion and coexistence of tradition and innovation. We are good at adding new interpretations to tradition, while respecting old methods and tastes.”
Ambassador WADA mentioned that Pakistan is also known as a production center of traditional potteries with Blue Pottery from Multan which has common attractions with Yakishime. “I feel a sense of warmth and simplicity from both of them”, he further added.
The ambassador said both Japan and Pakistan have rich and diverse cultural heritage and the cultural linkages between the two friendly nations can be traced back in history such as the Gandhara civilization. “In terms of the fusion of tradition and innovation, I am looking forward to seeing the new phase of Pakistan’s traditional arts in the next generation as well”, the Ambassador further added.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation for the Pakistan National Council of the Arts for extending their collaboration in arranging this exhibition at the National Art Gallery.
