Modern ceramic masterworks from among Imperial collections to be spotlit in Ibaraki

An exhibition featuring modern and contemporary ceramic masterpieces from The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan (Tokyo), is set to open on Sept. 16, 2023, at the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum in Kasama, Ibaraki Pref.

The Masterworks of Japanese modern ceramics from The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan

Sep 16 (Sat) – Dec 10 (Sun), 2023

Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum
(Kasama, Ibaraki Pref.)

*See outline below for details

“The Masterworks of Japanese modern ceramics from The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan” will showcase 115 works by renowned ceramicists such as Kanzan Denshichi (1821-90), a Meiji-era artist internationally famed for his elegant kyoyaki (Kyoto-style ware), and Miyagawa Kozan I (1842-1916), an appointed Imperial Household artist who was one of the most esteemed potters in the world of his time.

The exhibition will also highlight works by Showa-era (1926-89) ceramicists Tomimoto Kenkichi (1886-1963), who was designated as a Living National Treasure (holder of important tangible property) in 1955, and Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966), who was closely associated with the mingei (folk art) movement.

The Kasama area, where the museum is located, is on its own merit known for its Kasama-yaki or Kasama ware, which originates in the 18th century. The exhibition will also spotlight a number of Kasama ware masterpieces housed at the museum and owned by private collectors.

The Sannomaru Shozokan — founded in 1993 and located in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo — houses about 9,800 works of art passed down in the Imperial family. The museum is now closed for major renovations and has been putting on exhibitions in various parts of Japan to highlight the Imperial Household’s affinity with local traditions.

These exhibitions are organized with special cooperation from the Tsumugu Project, a joint effort between Japan’s Cultural Affairs Agency, Imperial Household Agency and national daily newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun (Tokyo) to help preserve the nation’s artistic treasures.