Voids in Clay

Thirty spokes converge in a nave; just because of its nothingness (void) the usefulness of the cart exists. Molded clay forms a vessel, just because of its nothingness the usefulness of the utensil exists. Doors and windows are cut in a house; just because of their nothingness (emptiness) the usefulness of the house exists. Therefore, profit from which exists and utilize that which is absent.

(Laozi) Daodejing 老子道德經

This book describes a collection that has been concentrated on three different ceramic wares: black and white earthenwares dating to the Neolithic era; Yaozhou stonewares dating to the Five Dynasties Song and Jin dynasties; qingbai porcelains of the Song and Yuan dynasties. This choice reflects a personal preference, to focus energy and study on the three subjects. Here, we offer an introduction to the history and manufacture of the three ceramic types.