The summer drought of pottery exhibitions is slowly ending and the wonderful autumn season, so full of good exhibitions, is about to start. Come September, exhibitions too numerous to list will fill gallery spaces throughout Japan and pottery enthusiasts will have their hands full -- with a few good pots, I hope.

For those interested in collecting Japanese pottery there are numerous ways to get started. My first purchase ever, in 1985, was a small 100 yen vase at my local supermarket, during one of their bargain sales. Then I started to haunt the recycle centers and antique markets, and although the pickings were slim I have found some winners: an Edo Period large Seto chatsubo (tea leaf jar) and a Ken Fujiwara Bizen kabin (vase), as well as a few odds and ends like hashioki (chopstick rests), yunomi (tea mugs) and some good chadansu (tea chests) for display.

Next I visited museums, galleries, bookstores and the potters' workshops, always observing much more than spealing. After I had gained a little confidence, I started dabbling in small auctions that offer contemporary ceramists' pieces, often below department store exhibition prices. I'll take a bargain on Japanese pottery any day!