Classical Revival and Modern Japanese Ceramics
Nov. 14(Sat), 2020 – Apr. 4(Sun), 2021 Exhibition room 5
The re-creation in modern times of historically venerated ceramic traditions is known as classical revival. Song Dynasty celadon and Ming Dynasty red overglaze ceramics that had been highly admired by Chinese aristocrats and literati, and Shino, Oribe, and Bizen wares favored by Japanese tea masters during the Momoyama Period inspired new expression among modern Japanese potters. Their interaction with traditional ceramics opened new possibilities for expression, resulting in new works of beauty that surpassed models from the past. Much more than an achievement of highly skilled technique, classical revival works reflect the transmission of aesthetics that have resonated with the Japanese people through the ages to the 21st century. The exhibition introduces approximately 60 ceramic works from the collection, crafted by Kitaoji Rosanjin, Kato Hajime, Okabe Mineo, Arakawa Toyozo, Kaneshige Toyo and others.