Ceramics
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Water Jar with Peonies Stoneware with overglaze enamel, By Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
February 1, 2022 (Tue) - April 24, 2022 (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 | ||
| Incense Container in the Shape of a Temple's Base Stone | Iga ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-193 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Water Jar with Peonies, Stoneware with overglaze enamel | By Ninsei | Edo period, 17th century | G-303 | ||
| Highlight | Bowl with a Handle and Cherry Blossoms | Kyoto ware | Edo period, 18th century | G-1239 | |||
| Highlight | Important Art Object | Bowl with Cherry Blossoms and Maple Leaves | By Ninnami Dōhachi (1783–1855) | Edo period, ca. mid-19th century | Private collection | ||
| Highlight | Dishes with Cherry Trees | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 18th century | G-826 | |||
| Highlight | Dish with Rafts and Flowers | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 18th century | G-583 | |||
| Highlight | Large Dish with Cherry Blossoms and Eagles, Porcelain with overglaze enamel | Imari ware | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Mr. Kase Reiji, G-5855 |