Porcelain may remind people of milky faced dolls, the contents of their granny's china cabinet or even tea parties where refined ladies don ridiculous hats, but to some the art of porcelain making is much deeper than that.
Ten years ago UNM started teaching the Arita method of porcelain making, a 400-year-old style that, remarkably is only taught at UNM and in Japan.
Recently students were informed that the class would be discontinued for upcoming semesters. Many students vehemently opposed the class being canceled and because of this the administration has opted to maintain porcelain making at UNM, and it will be offered in the fall.
Kathryne Cyman, UNM porcelain instructor, was taught by a student of the porcelain master, Inoue Manji. In 1995, Inoue was honored by the Japanese government by being named a National Living Treasure.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Inoue has been asked by many American universities to share this highly coveted technique, but he insists that Arita porcelain making only be taught at UNM. He has visited here several times and even welcomed a group of UNM students to Japan to hone their skills.
Inoue's exquisite pieces may be observed at the Smithsonian and, for those who can't make it to the renowned museum, in a display case outside of Professor Cyman's classroom.
-Blair Rinn
