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 When I first started learning about Japanese pottery I took every opportunity I could get to see pots. That meant at flea markets, exhibitions, visiting studios, and looking at books almost everyday. Books in particular were, and still are, a wonderful resource. In the beginning I couldn't read Japanese at all but that was alright, the photos spoke a thousand words. I trained my eye to distinguish different styles, periods, and techniques. There are many fine color photo books but the problem was finding them. The local bookstore handled a few, but not many. Combing through the used bookstores of Jimbocho was always a hit and miss situation. A few years ago I was told to visit Avis Felix- boy, was I in for a surprise. Wall to wall books dealing exclusively with pottery, mostly Japanese but Chinese, Korean, and other countries as well. There are a few shelves lined with English books from overseas publishers. The books that I first picked up sixteen plus years ago are there (the zukan photo series) and many that I treasure today. The setting is relaxed with a large table in the center so one can kick back while flipping through some of the larger books. The books cover the gamut of Japanese pottery -- from ancient traditions to modern masters -- all major magazines are available also. I even found a copy of my book there.....
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