Ceramics
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Jar for Tea Leaves with the Moon and Plum Blossoms, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
November 25, 2020 (Wed) - February 14, 2021 (Sun)Early Japanese ceramics were heavily influenced by techniques and processes originating in China and Korea. Over time, a more diverse range of forms and styles came to be embraced in Japan. This increased diversity was driven by economic and political factors, including foreign trade and the changing preferences of disparate social classes.
Throughout Japanese history, people of different social classes—emperors, nobles, samurai, and townspeople like merchants—held political or economic power at different times. Potters responded by creating regionally distinct ceramics that met the needs and tastes of each set of clientele.
This gallery traces the history of Japanese ceramics from around the 12th century onwards, beginning with storage jars for daily use, which highlight the unique colors and textures of local clays. It continues with tea bowls and other utensils for the tea ceremony, a practice that greatly influenced ceramic production. The ceramic traditions of Kyoto are then presented, followed by porcelain made in Arita, and other works from regional kilns.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Large Jar, Stoneware with natural ash glaze | Tokoname ware | Heian period, 12th century | Private collection | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Jar with Vines and Peonies, Glazed stoneware | Seto ware | Kamakura period, 14th century | G-344 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Large Jar with Comma Shapes, Stoneware | Suzu ware | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs | ||
| Bowl with an Upturned Rim | Bizen ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-5775 | ||||
| Large Bowl with Flowering Plants, Stoneware with underglaze iron oxide | Karatsu ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-5778 | ||||
| Tea Bowl with Waves and a Crescent Moon, Stoneware with overglaze enamel | Studio of Ninsei | Edo period, 17th century | G-23 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Art Object | Lobed Dish with a Flying Phoenix | Imari ware | Edo period, 17th century | Gift of Ms. Yamamoto Tomiko and Mr. Yamamoto Kenji, G-5751 | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Deep Bowl with Birds and Flowers | Imari ware, Kakiemon type | Edo period, 17th century | G-5101 | |||
| Large Dish with Flowers, Porcelain with overglaze enamel | Imari ware | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke, G-1059 |