Dorodango

The Japanese Art of Making Mud Balls (Ceramic Art Projects, Mindfulness and Meditation Books)

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Sep 24 2019 | Archive Date Sep 23 2019
Laurence King Publishing Ltd | Laurence King Publishing

Talking about this book? Use #DorodangoBook #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

"The coolest thing you didn't know you needed to see." – Buzzfeed

"Artist Bruce Gardner is a master of [this] curious Japanese artform." – This is Colossal

As featured on BoingBoing, National Geographic, and more!


Explore the craft and technique of dorodango in master crafter Bruce Gardner's new book, Dorodango: The Japanese Art of Making Mud Balls.

The Japanese hikaru dorodango, or shiny mud ball, is created by rolling earth by hand into a perfect sphere and polishing it until it gleams. Not only are the results truly impressive, but this calm and meditative practice, a traditional Japanese playground activity for children, has been rediscovered as a peaceful pastime for people of all ages.

Known for inducing flow, the ultimate state of happiness, this simple art is perfect for those who enjoy practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, and working with their hands. It's also a lovely way to preserve soil that is special to you, whether it reminds you of home or a place you've traveled. As your collection of dorodango grows, you'll find that earth from different locations each have their own unique properties and finishes.

With beautiful photography and straight forward instructions, this handy guide will teach you everything you need to know to make your own mud balls at home with easily sourced materials.

In addition to dirt and a copy of the book, you will need the following materials to make your own dorodango:
• Shovel
• Bucket
• Sandbags for storing soil
• Screens (a regular window screen will work)
• Paint Straining Nets
• Mixing Tub
• Flat knife
• Containers (shoe boxes, etc.)
• Plastic bags
• Clips or clothespins
• Dust Masks
• Mason Jar lid
• A smooth piece of wood
• Scale
• Mortar and Pestle

A wonderful gift book for fans of pottery and ceramic arts.
"The coolest thing you didn't know you needed to see." – Buzzfeed

"Artist Bruce Gardner is a master of [this] curious Japanese artform." – This is Colossal

As featured on BoingBoing, National...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781786274984
PRICE $17.99 (USD)

Average rating from 9 members


Featured Reviews

This book is amazing. I must have to say this isn’t something you can master one try but the results are undeniable beautiful. I was initially confused by some of the steps so I will just have to start slow with trial and error. I know it is something that will be rewarding and enjoyable thru the art of mastering something difficult. I love that it seems so simple yet so dependent on each step. The pictures are inspirational and I just want to play in mud. I plan to try this on a long weekends until I have successfully succeeded with more than one Dorodango than I want to try it with my grandchildren. The steps look very therapeutic and the results are undeniably beautiful. I received this book from NetGalley and I am so glad I did I am very excited to try this.

Was this review helpful?

This is one topic of art forms that I had never heard of but was excited to look more into it. The idea of making mud spheres as a form of art is very appealing for its pure simplicity. For anyone who is looking to try something new, this is highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: