Ceramics
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Tea Bowl with Waves and a Crescent MoonStoneware with overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
February 16, 2021 (Tue) - May 9, 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 | ||
| Fan-Shaped Food Cups ("Mukōzuke") | Mino ware, Oribe type | Edo period, 17th century | G-5760 | ||||
| Bowl with an Upturned Rim | Bizen ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-5775 | ||||
| Water Jar in the Shape of a Bag for Gold Dust | Takatori ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-5779 | ||||
| Important Cultural Property | Water Jar with Peonies, Stoneware with overglaze enamel | By Ninsei | Edo period, 17th century | G-303 | |||
| Highlight | Tea Bowl with Waves and a Crescent Moon, Stoneware with overglaze enamel | Studio of Ninsei | Edo period, 17th century | G-23 | |||
| Stacked Boxes with Camellias, a Pine, Bamboo, and a Plum Tree | Kyoto ware | Edo period, 18th century | G-41 | ||||
| Highlight | Bowl with Cherry Trees | By Ninnami Dōhachi (1783–1855) | Edo period, 19th century | G-5797 | |||
| Tea Bowl | By Ichinyū (1640–96); Raku ware, black Raku type | Edo period, 17th century | G-76 | ||||
| Highlight | Tea Bowl with Inlaid Design of Cherry Blossoms in the Mishima Style | By Eiraku Hozen (1795–1854) | Edo period, 19th century | G-991 | |||
| Highlight | Large Jar with Flowering Plants, Porcelain with overglaze enamel | Imari ware, Kakiemon type | Edo period, 17th century | G-5728 | |||
| 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 | ||
| Highlight | Dish with Floral Rafts, Porcelain with overglaze enamel | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 18th century | G-583 | |||
| Dish with "Chinese Flowers", Porcelain with overglaze enamel | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 17th–18th century | G-5796 |