In Japan's Edo period, 1615-1868, says Maske (art history, U. of Kentucky) the Takatori potters, unlike other craftsmen, held warrior-class status within the domain of a particular daimyo
family. He examines potters and their work in the service of the Kuroda family as a case study for the genre of ceramics generally during the period. His topics are the historical context, the
search for a style during the 17th century, the struggle for stability 1716-1871, from rough to refined, the tea caddies, distribution and use, and the legacy of Takatori ceramics. A battery of
color plates augments the many monochrome illustrations. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
