MIHO MUSEUM’s collection of over sixty
works by Ogata Kenzan (1663–1743) began with our museum founder
Mihoko Koyama, who loved Kenzan’s ceramics and paintings. The
majority of the Kenzan collection came from an elderly couple who
dreamt of building a museum for their Kenzan dishes, most of which
were decorated with underglaze iron. They were however unable to
achieve their dream and feared that their collection would be
dispersed. Instead, MIHO MUSEUM acquired all the works to keep them
together as a set.
Twelve years have passed since MIHO MUSEUM held the special exhibition Kenzan: A World of Quietly Refined Elegance in 2004. The Kenzan and cuisine photography book with an essay contribution from our current museum director Isao Kumakura, Umashi Uruwashi—Kenzan shikisaisai (Appetizing Beauty: Kenzan and Seasonal Dishes),
Twelve years have passed since MIHO MUSEUM held the special exhibition Kenzan: A World of Quietly Refined Elegance in 2004. The Kenzan and cuisine photography book with an essay contribution from our current museum director Isao Kumakura, Umashi Uruwashi—Kenzan shikisaisai (Appetizing Beauty: Kenzan and Seasonal Dishes),
which was made concurrently with this exhibition, won first prize in the category of Best Art Photography from the internationally renowned Gourmand World Cookbook Awards three times.
This exhibition—the first in many years to present the Kenzan collection in its entirety—highlights these works and Japanese cuisine, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. We hope that our visitors will also enjoy the beautiful photographs of traditional Japanese dishes plated on Kenzan ware.
This exhibition—the first in many years to present the Kenzan collection in its entirety—highlights these works and Japanese cuisine, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. We hope that our visitors will also enjoy the beautiful photographs of traditional Japanese dishes plated on Kenzan ware.
1. Sake Cups with Dutch Pottery Style with Ichimatsu
Checkerboard Design
2. Mukozuke Dishes with Tatsutagawa Design
3. Square Plate with Peony Design Painting
4. Mukozuke Dishes in Lily Shape
5. Red Maple Leaves (For a limited time only)
Checkerboard Design
2. Mukozuke Dishes with Tatsutagawa Design
3. Square Plate with Peony Design Painting
4. Mukozuke Dishes in Lily Shape
5. Red Maple Leaves (For a limited time only)
Photography by Gozen Koshida except Red Maple Leaves
