SBRANFPOTS@aol.com on tue 15 feb 00
Folks,
In the book "Japanese Pottery Handbook" the terms are used interchangeably
with no distinction. In fact, I have looked in several books including "The
World Of Japanese Ceramics" by Herbert Sanders and the term nerikomi doesn't
even exist! What is explained is that neriage is a handbuilding technique
where patterns of colored clays are pressed into a mold. There is also
mention of "new neriage" where colored clay coils are pressed into the
surface of a thrown form with the form subsequently thrown to completion.
During trimming the surface is scraped to reveal the colored patterns.
When it comes right down to it how important is the "term" anyway? It's good
to know the origins of things and worthwhile (even necessary) to make the
effort to honor those who pioneer a process, technique, or method. But
ultimately what matters is what we do with it and how we communicate what we
do with each other! Neriage, nerikomi, colored clay, applique, agateware,
millefiore, etc. No, they're not all the same but we can't necessarily assume
that there are universally accepted definitions for each either! The practice
of our craft is ever evolving with established techniques giving way to new
approaches. It is new combinations and fresh applications of old ideas that
we strive to discover and uncover for ourselves.
Steven Branfman
The Potters Shop
vince pitelka on wed 16 feb 00
> In the book "Japanese Pottery Handbook" the terms are used interchangeably
> with no distinction. In fact, I have looked in several books including
"The
> World Of Japanese Ceramics" by Herbert Sanders and the term nerikomi
doesn't
> even exist! What is explained is that neriage is a handbuilding technique
> where patterns of colored clays are pressed into a mold. There is also
> mention of "new neriage" where colored clay coils are pressed into the
> surface of a thrown form with the form subsequently thrown to completion.
> During trimming the surface is scraped to reveal the colored patterns.
> When it comes right down to it how important is the "term" anyway? It's
good
> to know the origins of things and worthwhile (even necessary) to make the
> effort to honor those who pioneer a process, technique, or method. But
> ultimately what matters is what we do with it and how we communicate what
we
> do with each other! Neriage, nerikomi, colored clay, applique, agateware,
> millefiore, etc. No, they're not all the same but we can't necessarily
assume
> that there are universally accepted definitions for each either! The
practice
> of our craft is ever evolving with established techniques giving way to
new
> approaches. It is new combinations and fresh applications of old ideas
that
> we strive to discover and uncover for ourselves.
> Steven Branfman
Steve -
I agree with the positive spirit of your message, but I cannot support a
casual attitude towards the clarificatioin and definition of terminology.
They are at the basis of written and vocal communication, and if we are to
understand each other, and if we are to write about our craft and record
what we accomplish, the terminology must be clearly defined and understood.
It matters a great deal. Terminology evolves over time, and we should
expect that, but it does no good to simply disregard the purity of
traditional definitions, allowing the language to evolve rapidly and
haphazzardly.
Nerikomi is a commonly used term, found frequently in writing about Japanese
colored clay work. It is true that nerikomi and neriage have often been
used interchangeably, but much evidence I have come across indicates that
they have very different definitions. I would encourage the clayart
audience to continue asking questions about the two words, especially those
of you who have connections to the world of Japanese studio pottery. I
would be very interested in whatever you find out.
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Home - vpitelka@dekalb.net
615/597-5376
Work - wpitelka@tntech.edu
615/597-6801 ext. 111, fax 615/597-6803
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
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