07.04.2006 to 25.06.2006
The Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst (Museum of East Asian Art) is pleased to announce this exhibition on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and in celebration of the recent donation of the Dr. Anneliese and Dr. Wulf Crueger collection of contemporary Japanese ceramics. In more than 30 years of extensive travelling even into the most remote areas of the country the Cruegers have accumulated more than 400 ceramics, representative examples of the diverse pottery traditions of Japan. They are particularly attracted to utilitarian ceramics which combine high aesthetic standards and usability. These range from objects fired at kilns looking back on a tradition of hundreds of years, such as the one in Arita led by the Living National Treasure Imaizumi Imaemon XIII (1926-2001) to the work of outstanding studio potters of the present.
The exhibition illustrates the connection between the traditions of the classical kilns and the studio potter's quest for innovation in selected examples. The female studio potter Hoshino Kayoko (born 1949), for instance, uses the traditional Shigaraki clay characterised by its quartz inclusions to form sculptural objects with a subtle linear texture. All pieces on display, such as vases, tea ceramics or sculptural pieces are united in their deep rootedness in the Japanese pottery traditions.
The German catalogue doubles as a guide book for the ceramic enthusiast. It features typical examples from the collection to illustrate the production of more than 60 kilns. Chapters on the works of studio potters, a short account of the history and techniques of Japanese ceramics are included and rounded off by a thorough glossary as well as travel information to the ceramic centres of Japan.
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