Imari show at Suntory Museum

Mar 5

Little sumo wrestlers, Arita. The Edo period (1680-1710)

If you are in Tokyo in the next week, there is a great Porcelain show at Suntory Museum in Roppongi. It is showcasing a style of white porcelain that became very popular in Europe in the 17th century that was exported from Japan. These pieces were greatly admired and adorned fancy mansions. Come and see the designs that Japanese artisans created and were brought back to Europe 400 years ago. It is ongoing till 3/16 if you happen to be in Tokyo!

Imari: Japanese Porcelain for European Palaces
Porcelain was first produced in the Arita region of what is now Saga Prefecture in the early seventeenth century. It was referred to as Imari because it was shipped from the port of Imari for distribution throughout Japan. The Dutch East India company exported Imari porcelain to Europe from the mid seventeenth century on. There these porcelains became not only luxurious functional products also status symbols enjoyed by royalty and aristocrats in their palaces and manor houses. This exhibition presents about 190 examples of Imari porcelains, principally export Imari from the collection of the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka.

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FIGURINES OF SUMO WRESTLERS (two sets)/, Porcelain with decoration in overglaze polychrome enamels, Arita ware, Edo period, 1680-1710s, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, Photo by Kazuyoshi Miyoshi

Japan Suite

Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.

Imari show at Suntory Museum

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