MoCA/NY is committed to unearthing ceramic cultural heritage sites to reveal their history, cultural significance, and geological clay characteristics, as well as to elevate the narratives of the artisans who established the region’s reputation and its influence on artists living and working there today. Mashiko is informally known as the Mecca of Mingei, a term […]

Japan is renowned for its traditional pottery regions, with six notable areas known as the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan that have stood the test of time. Among them, Tamba—also called Tachikui or Tamba-Tachikui—stands out and has continued to evolve over a millennium. Recognized as an intangible cultural property of Japan, Tamba ware has always […]

The Origins - The Westerwald Clay Region The vast and extensive clay quarries in the Westerwald region represent the largest connected deposits in Europe. Only a few other regions in the world are known to have clay sources of comparable size and quality. The Westerwald clay is distinguished by its exceptional ductility, virtually impurity-free composition, […]

To see ceramic destinations in Shigaraki, Japan, and other sites worldwide, check out Ceramic World Destinations (CWD), MoCA/NY's interactive map listing over 4,000 destinations! En Iwamura, a ceramic artist currently residing in Shigaraki, shares his experience working in the cultural heritage site and the benefits and challenges of living in the region. This essay is […]

Hitomi Shibata, a ceramic artist and author of the book Wild Clay, shares a personal essay about her time living, working, and making art in Shigaraki. This essay is part of our three-part feature on the cultural heritage site Shigaraki, aiming to provide the most robust coverage of this historically rich and significant region. Read […]

MoCA/NY asked three Japanese ceramic artists and academics to collaborate on our feature exploring the traditions, culture, and history of the significant cultural heritage site Shigaraki in Japan. Stay tuned for Hitomi Shibata's personal essay about her time working and participating in the artist-in-residence program at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, and En Iwamura's essay […]

  See below the video for a short essay written by Rashi Jain, which delves into the rich history and significance of this artistic haven while exploring the challenges the Mumbai Potters community faces amidst the city's ongoing redevelopment.        Postcard from Kumbharwada BY: RASHI JAIN   Kumbharwada, the traditional potter’s community […]