Mineo Okabe, Long-necked large bottle, “funseiji” (1969, private collection)

Mineo Okabe (1919–1990) was a ceramic artist of striking individuality in postwar Japanese ceramics. Although he attracted wide attention in the 1950s with his works entirely covered with straw-rope patterns, Okabe later changed his style radically to create so-called “Mineo seiji,” porcelain pieces using unique celadon glazes. Presenting 170 pieces, this first retrospective after the ceramic artist’s death offers an extensive view of Okabe's career.

Christopher Dresser, Soup dish, “Persian” (1884, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

Among the most important dyeing techniques in Japan are yuzen that allows free expression like paintings, and stencil dyeing that uses stencils to create patterns. The first part of this exhibition presents excellent pieces using these techniques.
The second part features 50 pieces by Christopher Dresser, the first industrial designer in late 19th-century England, from the museum’s collection.

Kyohei Fujita, Rainbow Colors (1964, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

Crafts Gallery for Kids will open again this summer, including the worksheet sessions for finding ways to appreciate ceramics, lacquerware, textiles and other pieces made from various materials, as well as workshops for touching and handling kaolin. The second part of this show presents refreshing glassworks that are particularly attractive in summer. Enjoy variety of pieces that directly embody artists’ imagination inspired by the material.

Kenkichi Tomimoto, Lidded octagonal pot, white porcelain (1932, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

Yoichi Onagi, Red Glove (1976, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

Opened on November 15, 1977 as an annex to the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, the Crafts Gallery now maintains a collection of 2,550 pieces (compared to 476 in 1977), and has expanded its exhibition activities beyond the borders of styles and artists’ nationalities. This exhibition illustrates some episodes before the Gallery’s opening, and reviews its past exhibitions and collection building to examine the role the Gallery has played in modern art.

Hiroto Kitagawa, New Type 2003-black (2003, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa)

Takeshi Kitamura, Deep blue ra type silk (1992, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

Building upon the long history and native traditions, Japanese crafts has developed and experienced reforms with the changes of the times and society, to see rich variety of creative activities including traditional and nontraditional crafts, and extend various influences to contemporary art. The second part of the exhibition offers an overview on today’s crafts through pieces by working craftspeople—young and old—to explore a vision for the future.

Ryujo Hori, Offering a Flower (1956, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

Nurtured by the country’s rich nature and culture, Japanese crafts have been characterized by gracious beauty and loveliness. Since the late 19th century when Japanese craftspeople acquired modern “individuality,” they have been producing excellent pieces exploring diverse ways of expressions. Presenting selections from the Gallery’s collection, this show focuses on floral motifs showing the most brilliant design and forms, as well as on dolls, a genre in which the native tradition has evolved into modern expression.