Ceramics
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Incense Burner with a Lion-Shaped Knob, Mino ware, Oribe type, Edo period, 1612
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
April 18, 2023 (Tue) - July 9, 2023 (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 | Shallow Bowl with Melons, Earthenware with three-color glaze | Studio of Chōjirō; Raku ware | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | G-5114 | |||
| Tea Bowl | By Ichinyū (1640–96) | Edo period, 17th century | G-76 | ||||
| Highlight | Lidded Bowl with Peonies | Imari ware, Kakiemon type | Edo period, 17th century | G-5759 | |||
| Large Bowl with Flowering Plants | Karatsu ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-5778 | ||||
| Large Dish with Flowers | Imari ware | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke, G-1059 | ||||
| Highlight | Shallow Bowl with a Flower | Mino ware, yellow-Seto type | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige, G-5311 |