I read and review a lot of crafting and art books as well as a fair bit of cultural philosophy. This book is both. The author has a calm, logical, and inviting writing style. He provides an impressive amount of detail and technique in the tutorials for each stage of the process, from choosing specific dirt through sifting and refining the materials, clay content, moisture, shaping and building, problem solving (cracks), texture, finishing, and more. In fact, I was quite impressed at how intricate and meditative the entire process is, especially considering the humble materials involved.
The finished products are primeval. I am astounded at the range of shades, textures, and colours resulting from water and dirt.
The short introduction (~4% of the total content) covers some of the history and background as well as the author's introduction to the process. The following chapters proceed through the steps from start to finish and include a gallery with sidebar descriptions of locations where the dirt was sourced and comments about the finished dorodango. Tools are minimal and easily available.
The photography throughout the book is spectacular. It's crystal clear and illustrative as well as being artistically appealing. A complete beginner will find all the information necessary in this volume to create, finish, and display their own dorodango. It's interesting that this is an art which had almost died out and which results in such appealing and beautiful end products.
I would heartily recommend this book and process to readers who are interested in Japanese aesthetics, philosophy, and mindfulness, as well as crafter artists looking for a new challenge.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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