Lustreware ceramics are experiencing a remarkable resurgence, capturing the attention of collectors and artists alike. According to a recent analysis by Louise Long in the Financial Times, this renewed interest is partly fueled by the historical significance of lustreware, which involves complex and risky techniques such as reduction firing. Alan Caiger-Smith, a master potter, has played a pivotal role in this revival by co-translating the 1557 treatise 'Tre Libri Dell’Arte Del Vasaio', which sheds light on the artistry behind these ceramics. The market for lustreware has seen impressive sales, including a Hispano-Moresque charger that fetched over $1 million at Christie’s, highlighting its value among collectors [5e688e08].
Contemporary potters like Gloria Baker are also contributing to the lustreware revival by creating pieces that incorporate personal stories and modern aesthetics. Fuchsia Hart notes that today’s potters are increasingly seeking authenticity and a connection to historical traditions, which resonates with a growing audience that appreciates the craftsmanship and cultural heritage embedded in these artworks. This trend reflects a broader movement within the art world, where collectors are drawn to pieces that tell a story and embody a rich history [5e688e08].
In parallel, Japanese traditional crafts are facing a significant decline, largely attributed to reduced domestic spending power. A recent article from the South China Morning Post highlights ongoing efforts to revive interest in these crafts, particularly in Europe. This movement echoes the 19th-century Japonisme, which celebrated Japanese art and aesthetics in the West. Notably, Bizen ware pottery from Okayama was showcased in Italy and France in April 2024, with support from the Mission of Japan to the EU. Taiga Mori, a Bizen ware potter, expressed newfound confidence after receiving international praise and orders from a Belgian dealer. The production value of traditional crafts has drastically fallen, from 328.8 billion yen (approximately US$2.3 billion) in 1997 to just 92.7 billion yen (around US$625 million) in 2017. The mission aims to attract wealthy buyers in the US and Europe to invest in traditional Japanese artworks, hoping to reverse the trend of decline in these crafts [3ff01b20].
Additionally, Japan's cities are grappling with the implications of a declining population. A recent piece by Alex K.T. Martin in The Japan Times discusses the future of Japan's urban areas, referencing a 1920 prediction about the country's state a century later. While some predictions have proven accurate, such as increased life expectancy and solar energy usage, Professor Tomoya Mori warns that half of Japan's cities could vanish in the next hundred years due to population decline. Fukuoka is noted as a metropolitan area that may experience growth despite these challenges. The article underscores the critical role of quality journalism in combating misinformation during these transformative times [8ece3ca3].