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Japan’s proud tradition of ceramic art has diversified in technique and artistic style over the centuries and continues to evolve in remarkable ways today. Ceramicists have become more prolific since the postwar era, producing ambitious works one after another.
In 1950, the Japanese government enacted the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties to preserve and promote artisan crafts known as kōgei, which are artisan crafts associated with specific regions and craft traditions within Japan and encompass a variety of disciplines including ceramics. Following an amendment to the law in 1954 that allowed for individual craft artists to be designated as Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (or Living National Treasures), a group of such artists founded the Japan Kōgei Association in 1955. The association was cofounded with other artisans and craftspeople working in the various fields of traditional kōgei. Members of the association display their art at the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. In addition, every year since 1973, the Ceramics Division of the association has hosted an Exhibition of New Ceramic Works, an opportunity for member artists to showcase their latest works.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Japan Kōgei Association’s Ceramics Division, this exhibition offers a retrospective view on the organization’s history and a selection of masterpieces by its artists. The artistry and beauty of ceramic art are demonstrated in a selection of tea bowls and other works by artists who have mastered the unique materials and traditions of kōgei ceramic styles, including current and former Living National Treasures. A selection of works by up-and-coming artists is another highlight of the exhibition.
The Shiodome Museum of Art has held many exhibitions celebrating kōgei and design. This exhibition will feature about 140 works, with a focus on contemporary ceramics; most of the artists are members of the Japan Kōgei Association’s Ceramics Division.
1.An exhibition commemorating fifty years since the establishment of the Japan Kōgei Association’s Ceramics Division, who have long led efforts to promote traditional kōgei
2.Ceramic works by 137 modern and contemporary artists, including Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasures)
3.Masterpieces by deceased masters, as well as an exploration of the present and future of ceramics through works by up-and-coming artists
The Japan Kōgei Association was founded in 1955 by craftspeople and artisans of traditional kōgei, many of them Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (also known as Living National Treasures*). The artists of the Association’s Ceramics Division have organized an Exhibition of New Ceramic Works every year since 1973. In 2022, the division will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding.
*The title of Living National Treasure is awarded to individuals who have attained a high level of mastery in certain artistic skills, including those related to the traditional artisan crafts known as kōgei.
This section serves as an introduction to the works and activities of artists who were active in the early days of the Japan Kōgei Association.
Featured artists*: Kaneshige Toyo, Kamoda Shoji, Fujimoto Yoshimichi, Matsui Kosei, Matsui Kosei, Miwa Kyuwa (Kyusetsu Ⅹ), and more
* Throughout this webpage, names are given in the Japanese order, with family name first.
Exhibited here are works by well-known artists from the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition, an organization as influential in Japan as the Japan Kōgei Association.
Featured artists: Itaya Hazan, Kiyomizu Rokubei Ⅵ, Kusube Yaichi
These works highlight the art of the first four ceramicists honored as Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties in 1955.
Featured artists: Arakawa Toyozo, Ishiguro Munemaro, Tomimoto Kenkichi, Hamada Shoji
This section explores how the multifaceted artistry and beauty of traditional ceramics have expanded over time.
Featured artists: Inoue Manji, Imaizumi Imaemon XIII, Nakashima Hiroshi, Yoshida Minori, and more
These ambitious works were made by artists from towns around Japan that are famous for their ceramic traditions.
Featured artists: Isezaki Jun, Ichino Masahiko, Ito Sekisui V, Tokuda Yasokichi III, Fukushima Zenzo, Miwa Jusetsu
These vessels are used in the tea ceremony, a practice that embodies traditional Japanese culture.
Featured artists: Kato Kozo, Suzuki Osamu, Tokuzawa Moritoshi, Hatano Zenzo, Raku Jikinyū XV
This section features a selection of works by contemporary ceramicists who draw on traditional skills and techniques.
Featured artists: Idogawa Yutaka, Imaizumi Imaemon XIV, Suzuki Tetsu, Maeda Akihiro, and more
The artists featured here have explored new materials and developed original techniques.
Featured artists: Ishibashi Yushi, Kakurezaki Ryuichi, Shinno Iwao
These works were created by up-and-coming artists who are breaking new ground in kōgei ceramics.
Featured artists: Isezaki Koichiro, Shibuya Eiichi, Nakada Hiroshi, Niisato Akio, Mitsuke Masayasu, Wada Akira
