Contemporary Japanese Porcelain

Onishi Gallery is honored to present Contemporary Japanese Porcelain – a unique exhibition celebrating the creative triumph of Eastern ceramic art. Japanese porcelain evokes a rich cultural heritage innovatively adapted to the present-day. Tradition meets innovation, porcelain artists presenting family legacies, meticulous techniques and refined aesthetics in accordance with contemporary creative design.

We are proud to share the porcelain works of our internationally renowned artists, from the subtle elegance of Inoue Manji (b. 1929, LNT) to the modern Rinpa aesthetics of Imaizumi Imaemon XIV (b. 1962, LNT). Born in the city of Arita in southern Japan where Arita porcelain originated and marked its 400th anniversary in 2016, Inoue Manji was designated a Living National Treasure in 1995 by the Japanese government for hakuji, Japanese white porcelain ware. Today, at the age of 90, Inoue continues to
produce stunning works of art. Imaizumi Imaemon XIV became the youngest artist in Japan to become a Living National Treasure in 2014, at the age of 51, for his achievements in elevating contemporary Nabeshima porcelain painted with his Rinpa-style designs. Incorporating this style, which embraces bold, graphic renderings of allegorical iconography, and traditional techniques developed by his family over generations, Imaemon XIV’s work is an innovative example of Nabeshima ware.

The artists are joined in the elegance and grace of the porcelain craft by artists Sakaida Kakiemon XIV (1934-2013, LNT), Sakaida Kakiemon XV (b. 1968), Tokuda Yasokichi III (1933-2009, LNT), Tokuda Yasokichi IV (b. 1961), Maeta Akihiro (b. 1954, LNT), Yoshita Minori (b. 1932, LNT) and Yoshita Yukio (b. 1960).

*LNT (Living National Treasure) is a popular Japanese term for artists who are certified as Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as based on Japan’s Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.