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Special
Autumn Exhibition
Ko-Shigaraki—Jars from the
Medieval Klins
(Heaven Inside a pot)
From
Wednesday, September 1 to Wednesday, December 15
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In
the Chinese tale Gokansho, a man named Hichobo is led to a pot by
an old hermit. After climbing inside it, he finds a heavenly world
where he has a marvelous time in a grand palace, drinking and eating
excellent liquor and food. The idea of a separate and alternate
earthly paradise found in a vessel is where the expression "heaven
inside of a pot" originates.
The pottery of medieval Japan is represented by the
"Six Old Kilns", which were six great centers of ceramic production
during the Middle Ages, of which Shigaraki was one. Nearly all of
the works fired at these kilns are unglazed. Of all the kilns, the
great charm of Shigaraki's ceramics is its particularly rich appearance,
due to the unique quality of the clay in that region. Looking at
Shigaraki pottery, it seems as if Japan's rich natural environment
and seasonal changes are captured in each piece. Each has a highly
individual appearance, brimming with an allure firmly rooted in
a uniquely Japanese sensibility.
This special exhibition named after the old Chinese
tale focuses on Shigaraki ceramics from the Middle Ages, particularly
those of the Muromachi Period, which are especially attractive.
It is likely that an exhibition of Shigaraki ceramics on this scale
has never been staged before. It is comprised of about 180 works,
many never shown to the public before, even in Japan. Eight pieces
from the Miho Collection, which have recently returned after being
shown in the U.S. and England, will be among the works displayed.
"Heaven Inside a Pot" offers a rare opportunity to experience the
subtle color and natural beauty of old Shigaraki ceramics. It is
our hope that all who come to see them will find their own heaven
in each pot.
Photography:
Takeshi Fujimori
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