TAASA Review Issues

Adrian Snodgrass

It was bad enough having a cover picture in the issue before last printed back to front, so that the Chinese characters were unintelligible. It would seem, by contrast, that the meaning of the cover of this issue is only too intelligible. It quite obviously refers, in none too subtle a manner, to the launch of the Ceramic Group of TAASA, an event which this issue celebrates.

The editor and publications committee of TAASA have, if nothing else, fertile imaginations, and, after much discussion some of it amicable, we have come to an agreement on the meaning of the scene depicted on the dish. Our interpretation, we believe, is an exegetical triumph, in that it lets us off the hook (as it were). Our interpretation is that one ship represents the recently launched Ceramic Group of TAASA and the other is the good ship TAASA itself. The two vessels have met while sailing the profound depths of the ocean of Asian art. They are not fighting – heaven (Ch. tian, Skt. bhu, Jap. ten) forbid – but setting out together on a voyage of discovery. The arrows they exchange signify the sharpness of wit, intelligence and insight that distinguishes TAASA meetings and lecture series. The body floating in the ocean signifies the Society’s buoyant hopes concerning its continued expansion. The flowers on the border are the flourishing efflorescent growth of the Society. The shark swallowing the poor unfortunate is, of course, TAASA dealing incisively with anything that might hinder its progress, or destroying obstacles to a wider appreciation of Asian art, or gratefully gulping down the rich bequests that will without doubt one day be offered it, or … anyway, this gives you the general idea.

At any rate, and even if this interpretation of the Vietnamese plate doesn’t convince every cynic or sceptic or lover of ceramics or the Art Gallery of South Australia, TAASA is delighted to welcome on board the Ceramic Group. This is a collaboration that must necessarily bring great benefits to both groups. No, we at TAASA are not engaged in piracy; we have no intention of throwing anyone to the sharks; our arrows are not aimed at anyone in particular. Quite the contrary, we expect to continue to sail in company with all our members in a search for the art treasures of Asia, adding to our wealth of knowledge and understanding. Welcome aboard, Ceramic Group!

Dr Adrian Snodgrass is a founding member of TMSA and long time voyager into foreign realms.