Bernard Leach

Pitcher, stoneware, applied clay motif

Period

c.1931

Size

Length16.5×Width18×Height36.8cm

Produced in St Ives in Britain, this work is in the style of medieval British pottery. Similarly to Shoji Hamada, Leach was passionate about researching old pottery. The finger markings around the main part of the jug imitate the features of medieval ceramics. It was related with Leach Bar, now at the Rihga Royal Hotel in Nakanoshima, Osaka, founded by Tamesaburo Yamamoto.

Bernard Leach

1887－1979

Born in Hong Kong, he grew up in Kyoto and Hikone. After moving to Britain, He studied at art school. He returned to Japan in 1909 where he encountered the Shirakaba-ha school. He went back to Britain accompanied by Shoji Hamada in 1920. He built a kiln there and began to make pottery, establishing Leach Pottery in 1922. He was a pioneer of British studio pottery.