"It is sometimes felt in Europe and America that so-called functional objects are not art but craft. In Japan, however, a beautifully crafted lacquer, ceramic or textile is as highly admired as a fine painting or sculpture. It is well understood that all forms of art, whatever the period and style, can be wondrous if we have they eyes to see them. And all art works are functional in some way, or they are quickly forgotten."
Stephen Addiss - How to look at Japanese Art
