The Adaptable Educator’s Book Review – 20th Century Ceramics by Edmund de Waal

Edmund de Waal’s 20th Century Ceramics is not merely a book about clay—it is an intellectual odyssey into the modern history of ceramic art, a medium often relegated to the periphery of fine art discourse. De Waal, himself a potter and writer of exceptional sensitivity, brings to the subject a dual perspective: as both practitioner and historian. The result is a text that is both deeply informed and passionately argued, offering readers a nuanced understanding of ceramics’ evolution over the past century.

Historical Depth and Thematic Structure

The book is organized thematically, allowing de Waal to traverse the globe and various aesthetic movements with agility. Beginning with ceramics’ position at the cusp of modernism, he tracks how artists like Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada elevated the craft from domestic functionality to an art form that engages with philosophical, cultural, and social questions. This thematic structure, rather than a strict chronological approach, reflects the cross-pollination of ideas and techniques that characterize 20th-century ceramics.

De Waal’s discussion of studio pottery’s dialogue with industrial ceramics is particularly compelling. He frames the tension between the handmade and the machine-made as emblematic of broader anxieties about authenticity in the modern age. This analysis situates ceramics within the broader context of 20th-century art movements, drawing parallels with the Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, and conceptual art.

An Artist’s Eye

De Waal’s artistic expertise infuses the text with an acute sensitivity to materiality. His descriptions of glaze, texture, and form are evocative and tactile, almost as if he invites the reader to run their hands over the vessels he describes. For instance, his analysis of Lucie Rie’s bowls captures their quiet elegance while also unraveling their technical mastery. In such moments, de Waal transcends the role of historian, becoming a translator of the unspoken language of ceramics.

Global Perspectives

One of the book’s strengths is its global scope. De Waal pays homage to Japanese, Korean, and African ceramic traditions, resisting the Eurocentric gaze that has often dominated art history. He also acknowledges the often-overlooked contributions of women in ceramics, such as Rie and Viola Frey, whose work redefined the medium’s boundaries. This inclusivity underscores de Waal’s argument that ceramics, as a global art form, embodies the intersection of cultures and histories.

Critical Engagement

De Waal does not shy away from engaging critically with his subject. He examines the challenges ceramics face in being accepted as fine art, noting the persistent marginalization of the medium despite its profound artistic contributions. His critique is incisive yet hopeful, as he argues for a reevaluation of ceramics’ place in contemporary art discourse.

20th Century Ceramics is a masterwork of scholarship and artistry. De Waal has crafted a narrative that is both erudite and accessible, making the book an essential resource for scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike. It challenges readers to rethink the cultural and aesthetic significance of ceramics, urging us to see these objects not as mere vessels, but as profound expressions of human creativity and history.

This book is not just about ceramics; it is about how art, craft, and life are inextricably intertwined—a testament to the enduring power of making in a fractured modern world.