Kitamura Takeshi (b. 1935) is designated a Living National Treasure or a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for his mastery over the techniques called ra and nishiki (brocade). Equating the formation of textile with expression, Kitamura has used the intricately intertwining warp within the thickness of about one millimeter to produce cloth that impresses us with quiet movement and depth. This show introduces Kitamura’s works spanning his entire career to lead the viewers to the world of woven structure with rich contrast.

Kitamura Takeshi, Gold tate-nishiki fabric with connected flower-shaped lozenge pattern (2008 , private collection)

In the Taisho period (1912 – 1926) and the early Showa period (1926 – 1989), many Japanese craftspeople crossed the border to the Chinese Continent in search of the origins of, or new possibilities of, crafts. This exhibition considers the footprints and activities of Japanese craftspeople in Asian cities such as Seoul, Beijing and Taipei to be one part of the modern history of Japanese crafts, and explore the realities and the context of their efforts. The show also reflects on Asia as seen by Japanese craftspeople in the early Showa period through the Continental flavor seen in their works.

Tomimoto Kenkichi, Plate, “Full Moon over the East Gate in Seoul”, underglaze blue (1934)

Flora heralds new seasons and lends color to our everyday life. Focusing on plants seen in crafts and design, this exhibition introduces the resonance between life and forms revealed using various materials and techniques. Two types of self-guiding worksheets are available, one for kids and the other for adults, to help visitors appreciate things to note. This summer the Crafts Gallery makes it fun to learn about crafts and design for people of all ages.

While building on trends in modern crafts and arts, some artists reembrace tradition, ornamentality and materiality with present-day sensibility to enable contemporary form making and individuality. Having become known to the world and receiving international acclaim, their art is gaining a new footing for progression and innovation of Japanese crafts. This exhibition presents 80 recent pieces including ceramics, metalwork and the others to examine contemporary crafts and explore future perspectives.

Hatakeyama Koji, Eight Faces (2010)

Lacquerware is so important a genre in Japanese crafts that the English word “japan” means lacquerware. Since its foundation in 1977, the Crafts Gallery has been collecting lacquerware as an important part of our collection. Now our collection of lacquerware comprises 260 pieces. This exhibition presents 100 pieces selected from our collection to introduce the charm of modern Japanese lacquerware from various perspectives.

Hattori Syunsho, Two-fold screen, “Sunshine Reflected on the Water”, yogai raden inlay (2007)

In their efforts to create modern crafts, artist have often drawn, and used as motifs or in ornament, the beauty and form of flowers nurtured by rich nature, using diverse techniques and materials, to develop floral expression of great individuality showing new sensibility. This exhibition presents masterpieces with floral motifs, including ceramics, textiles, metalwork, glasswork and dolls, selected from our collection comprising 3,000 pieces.

Moriguchi Kako, Kimono, “Early Spring”, yuzen dyeing on crepe silk (1955)

Hara Hiromu (1903 – 1986) designed many posters, tickets and catalogue covers for exhibitions held by the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo for twenty three years from its opening in 1952 until 1975. This show focuses on Hara’s work with the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo to consider the relationship between designers and art museums.

Hara Hiromu, Bauhaus (1971)

The 1964 Olympics in Tokyo was not only a sporting event, but also a major design project involving an all-out effort by postwar Japanese designers. Kamekura Yusaku, Hara Hiromu and Kono Takashi designed the posters; invitation letters and certificates of merit; medals; and badges and emblems, respectively. The tickets, brochures and information maps were also created by leading designers. This show follows how designers tackled the Olympic project.

Kamekura Yusaku, The 18th Olympic Games (1962, Murakoshi Jo, photo director; Hayasaki Osamu, photograph)