Yearly Calendar 2014
Crafts Gallery Yearly Calender 2014 (April, 2014 – March, 2015)
Flowers: From the Museum Collection
Kitaoji Rosanjin
Bowl, peony design, overglaze enamels
c.1935, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
March 18 (Tue) – June 1, 2014 (Sun)
*Closed on Mondays (except March 24, 31, April 7 and May 5) and May 7, 2014
In their efforts to create modern crafts, artists 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 with new sensibility. When spring rolls around in the rotating seasons, this exhibition focuses on pieces with floral motifs to let you enjoy a select collection showing great individuality.
Patterns of Delight: Crafts Gallery for Kids&Adults From the Museum Collection
Nagao Norihisa,
Festival-Oxen, Gems and Dice Print Fight for the Sacred Tree
1988
June 28 (Sat) – August 31, 2014 (Sun)
*Closed on Mondays (except July 21) and July 22, 2014
A line, or a small circle. When placed side by side and repeated, they create rhythm and an exciting pattern. Besides geometric atterns, almost anything can be made into patterns, including living things, landscape, natural phenomena, letters and daily commodities. Let’s enjoy the world of patterns full of unique ideas, dynamic developments and the joy of living. Self-guiding worksheets are available separately for kids and adults.
Celadon Now: Techniques and Beauty Handed Down from Southern Sung to Today
Okabe Mineo
Long-necked large bottle, funseiji (celadon)
1969, private collection
September 13 (Sat) – November 24, 2014 (Mon)
*Closed on Mondays (except September 15, October 13, November 3 and 24), September 16, October 14 and November 4, 2014
Created in China from longing for gems, celadon is porcelain characterized by beautiful green glaze. Presenting masterpieces from the Southern Sung period that continue to fascinate many people, excellent pieces by Itaya Hazan and Okabe Mineo who have earned their places in the history of modern Japanese ceramic art, and latest pieces by
Living National Treasures and up-and-coming ceramists who utilize the techniques and spirits inherited from precursors in our time, this exhibition focuses on the charm of celadon through pieces that reflect the times.
Modern Craft Art Japan: Beauty of Masterpieces from the Museum Collection
Yagi Kazuo
Drifting
1961, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
December 5, 2014 (Fri) – February 15, 2015 (Sun)
*Closed on Mondays (except January 12, 2015), December 28, 2014-January 1, and 13, 2015
In the trends of times and arts from the 1868 Meiji Restoration until today, Japanese crafts have brilliantly enhanced traditional techniques to explore new possibilities of shape creation. Gathering together masterpieces by many artist with active careers in various fields, this exhibition reviews the beauty, charm and the dynamic history of modern Japanese crafts. The exhibits include recently acquired important pieces by ceramists Okabe Mineo, Kamoda Shoji and Yagi Kazuo, lacquerer Akatsuka Jitoku and Tsuishu Yozei XX, and metalworker Kitahara Senroku.
NAKAMURA Minato's Jewelry: Square, Globe, Line, Plane Being held simultaneously
Masterpieces of Modern Crafts from the Museum Collection
Nakamura Minato
Transparent Shapes, brooch and pendant
2011, private collection Photo: JEWELRY PHOTO
February 24 (Tue) – April 19, 2015 (Sun)
*Closed on Mondays (except March 23,30 and April 6, 2015)
Having studied sculpture at Musashino Art University, Nakamura Minato (b. 1947) has
divided her time between production of large metal three-dimensional pieces and jewelry. Though both characterized by geometrical shapes, her jewelry is uniquely attractive with distinct contrast to the body when worn. Centering on her jewelry, this exhibition focuses on the present state of her activities that emerges in her travels between the two.
Kuroda Tatsuaki
Tea caddy, stripe pattern, raden inlay
1974,The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
This is a small but permanent program of the Crafts Gallery to present works of holders of important intangible cultural property (living national treasures) and other leading artists and designers at home and abroad. Please check out this program since the exhibits are changed occasionally in connection with special exhibitions or along seasonal topics.
ART MUSEUM Gallery 4
Design Project for the 1970 Osaka Expo (tentative title)
Kamekura Yusaku
EXPO '70
1967, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
March 20 (Fri) – May 17, 2015 (Sun)
*Closed on Mondays (except March 23, 30, April 6 and May 4, 2015)
Held under the theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind,” the 1970 Osaka Expo (Japan World Exposition) is remembered as a national event in Japan in the years of spectacular economic growth. In the venue where a sign scheme was used, designers tried out various experiments as if in a future city, including displays using videos and Metabolist architecture. This show presents an entire picture of the design work for the 1970 Expo.
