This August 2013 issue of Chiisana Tsubomi (小さな蕾) is part of the long-running Japanese magazine dedicated to antique art, ceramics, traditional crafts, museum collections, and cultural heritage. Beautifully illustrated and written for collectors and enthusiasts, each issue provides an engaging look into specialist areas of Japanese and East Asian art.
The principal feature of this issue is 「沖縄の焼物」 (Okinawan Pottery), presenting ceramics from the Tsuboya Pottery Museum (壺屋焼物博物館) together with works from a private collection. Okinawa possesses a distinctive ceramic tradition shaped by the culture of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and its historical connections with Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Particularly important is Tsuboya-yaki (壺屋焼), which developed into one of Okinawa's best-known pottery traditions and remains closely associated with the island's craft heritage.
The cover features a striking bottle-shaped ceramic vessel with bold dark glazing and freely brushed decoration, beautifully illustrating the earthy, expressive character associated with Okinawan pottery.
Another major feature, 「眼福三昧・江戸絵画遊戯」, relates to a summer special exhibition at the MIHO MUSEUM, exploring the imaginative and playful world of Edo-period painting. The issue also includes 「柿右衛門通観 II」, continuing its examination of Kakiemon (柿右衛門), one of the most celebrated traditions of Japanese porcelain.
