Ceramics
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UpcomingJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
August 5, 2025 (Tue) - October 13, 2025 (Mon)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 Bush Clovers | Mino ware, Shino type | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | G-4730 | |||
| Highlight | Shallow Bowl with Melons | Studio of Chōjirō; Raku ware | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | G-5114 | |||
| Highlight | Large Dish with Watermills | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 17th–18th century | Private collection | |||
| Highlight | Large Bowl with a Landscape | Imari ware | Edo period, 17th century | Gift of Mr. Sakamoto Katsuji, G-5887 | |||
| Large Dish with Flowers | Imari ware | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke, G-1059 | ||||
| Highlight | Lidded Octagonal Bowl, Immortal design in underglaze blue | By Kawamoto Hansuke V(1831-1907); Seto ware | Edo period, 19th century | G-194 |