Ceramics
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Large Deep Bowl with Birds and Flowers
Imari ware, Kakiemon style, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
June 2, 2026 (Tue) - September 27, 2026 (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 | ||
| Shallow Bowl with a Flower | Mino ware, Yellow Seto style | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige, G-5311 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Bowl with a Wagtail | Mino ware, Gray Shino style | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | G-5730 | ||
| Tea Bowl with a Crescent Moon and Waves | By Ninsei | Edo period, 17th century | G-23 | ||||
| Highlight | Large Dish with Birds in an Oak Tree | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 17th century | Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige, G-5704 | |||
| Dish with Karahana Flowers | Nabeshima ware | Edo period, 17th–18th century | G-5796 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Large Deep Bowl with Birds and Flowers | Imari ware, Kakiemon style | Edo period, 17th century | G-5101 | ||
| Large Dish with Flowers | Imari ware | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke, G-1059 |