The 4 to 5 millennia since the "Black Pottery Culture," in the area which is now Peking, pottery has had a distinctive role in Chinese culture. The traditions of an agricultural society and the reverence with which the Chinese view the soil of their birthplace, have combined to place pottery at the forefront of Chinese art. From the earth comes nourishment and life, and relics of lasting beauty.

It is fitting then, that pottery is enjoying a renaissance in the Republic of China today. It is no longer reserved for only children to enjoy. Many of us have experienced that joy of squeezing a big lump of clay between our fingers and later, proudly taking our ashtray or cup back home for the whole family to enjoy. People are now rediscovering that unique satisfaction derived from creating with one's own hands. Says a local housewife, "People are always surprised to hear that some of the pottery in the house was made by me."

In the Taipei area alone, there are 30 pottery clinics that have recently opened. Most of these clinics are run by well known local potters. Taking a look into any of these clinics one will find a broad cross section of society. Says Lien Pao-ts'ai, potter and owner of a local clinic, "Working with clay can be enjoyed by everybody. For children, it's a time to get lost in their imagination, free from the rules and confines of the normal school setting. Foradults, it's an opportunity to create something with their own hands and, perhaps to escape back to their own childhood for a few precious hours every week."

Today's world of machines and mass production, and the rows upon rows of similarly produced items, leaves one yearning for a sense of uniqueness, individuality. Pottery offers the untrained the opportunity to create a genuine one-of-a-kind. For most of us, lost in a bureaucratic blind spot, it's difficult to imagine exactly how we fit into the whirlwind of activity that goes on around us everyday. With pottery we are put back in touch with our own ability to produce. We know where it came from and how it was made, and when we take it home or give it to a friend we know where it went.

"Throwing" a pot once or twice a week can help relieve some of the pressure that the previous 6 days of school or work built up. Comments potter Ch'iu Huant'ang, "We all have unsettling things in our lives and need releases to make sure that these things pass without too much damage being done." Throwing some clay can be a kind of therapy which allows us a release that an office or a classroom doesn't offer. Sitting behind a potter's wheel you are your own boss and can immediately see results and gloat in a sense of accomplishment.

Peering into one of these newly established pottery classes we see 20 adults huddled over their own piece of clay. Pulling, jabbing and rolling a determined and decidedly uncooperative lump of clay, until someone raises their head while holding aloft their "creation." To the untrained eye, perhaps, the "creation" is a mere bowl. But, after a brief explanation by the creator the beauty and magic of his piece becomes apparent.

What brought about this new wave of interest in pottery? The origins can probably be traced back to the 50's and 60's when scores of students came back from Europe, America and Japan with new innovations and techniques. These students cultivated a new generation of potters in Taiwan. Then a series of highly successful exhibitions-one, featuring the works of Ts'ai Jung-yu, in Italy--starting in 1979, brought the art back to the people. These exhibitions not only attracted the casual art lover but also encouraged people to roll up their sleeves and get behind a wheel themselves. This was the birth of the pottery clinics.

To start throwing clay for the first time is quite easy, because pottery is, in a sense, the freest of all art forms. The discipline and training required for calligraphy and painting is not needed for pottery. But, to master pottery, like any worthwhile goal, takes a great deal of time. The pottery clinics provide clay, electric and gas kilns, potter's wheels and instruction; the student need only bring his hands and imagination.

The wheel is the potter's work bench. Kneading or "working" the clay until the right consistency is attained and all air bubbles are removed, the potter is then ready to "throw" the clay. Placing the clay directly in the center of the wheel the potter then starts the wheel spinning. By pressing the thumb into the center of the clay and then using both hands--one on the inside and one on the outside--the clay is raised and shaped. Suddenly, a cup is created but, if the potter is not satisfied a quick slap sends the clay back to it's original form.

The process of raising and shaping can take several hours of steady hands and concentrated effort. After the desired shape, thickness and texture is produced the piece is ready for the kiln. Generally speaking, pottery must be "fired" twice. The first firing is to harden the clay and condition it to accept the glaze in the second firing. The glaze insures that the piece is wrapped in a waterproof seal that is both beautiful to look at and easy to wash.

The quality of the clay, the type of glaze and the temperature (800℃-1400℃) and length of firing can all effect the final product. That's why some people liken pottery to fishing, because you don't know what you have until you open the kiln or look in the net. It's for this reason that the opening of the kiln always draws a crowd of people to see what their labors have produced.

From the earth that provides the air that we breath and the food that we eat also comes a source of joy, accomplishment and satisfaction. In today's consumer society it's a relief to be able to create and add to the beauty of our lives with our own hands.

(Kirby Chien)

[Picture Caption]

Adults getting a chance to relive some fond childhood memories at a pott ery clinic.

From behind the potter's wheel carefully shaping and raising clay into awork of art.

The opening of the kiln and the day's labor revealed for the first time.

"Rough" pieces drying before entering the kiln.

Two finely crafted pieces after baking and glazing--if you like the resul ts, maybe you should try your own hand at pottery?

Potter, Ch'iu Huan-t'ang, demonstrating a tricky technique to student.

Arranging flowers in a vase crafted by one's own hand adds a special significance to the intrinsic beauty.

From behind the potter's wheel carefully shaping and raising clay into a　work of art.

"Rough" pieces drying before entering the kiln.

The opening of the kiln and the day's labor revealed for the first time.

Potter, Ch'iu Huan-t'ang, demonstrating a tricky technique to student.

Two finely crafted pieces after baking and glazing--if you like the resul ts, maybe you should try your own hand at pottery?

Arranging flowers in a vase crafted by one's own hand adds a special significance to the intrinsic beauty.