Potters Kanjiro Kawai (1890-1966) and Shoji Hamada (1894-1978) met at Tokyo TechnicalSchool (present Institute of Science Tokyo) for the first time, and continued their friendship throughout their lives. Resonating with the philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi (1889-1961), they collaborated with Yanagi and coined the word ‘mingei (ordinary people’s crafts)’ in 1925. This special exhibition, commemorating the 90th anniversary of its foundation, showcases works by Kawai and Hamada, who stood at the origin of mingei, and unique charms of each potter.

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In 1926, shortly after Yanagi, Kawai, and Hamada coined the word ‘mingei’, the prospectus for formation of a museum of folk crafts was drafted, and the establishment of a museum was proudly proclaimed. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Nihon Mingeikan) actually opened its door ten years later in 1936, during the dawn of the Mingei Movement. This year marks the 100th anniversary since this statement and the 90th anniversary of its foundation. On this occasion, we would like to revisit the journey to its establishment and the exhibitions held at its inception.

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Approximately 50 pieces from our collection of Ryukyu bingata and weaving textiles are exceptionally fine works purchased by Ryoichi Mizutani, collaborator in the Mingei Movement, from Goeku Chosho upon Yanagi’s recommendation. Goeku Chosho, who supported Yanagi’s activities in Okinawa, was the 15th head of the Goeku Palace, a branch of the royal family of the Shō clan which ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom. While the specific works obtained from Prince Goeku remained unknown until now, this exhibition will mainly showcase these pieces with artworks connected to the Shō family together.

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Dedicated to the pursuit of handicrafts quality for the present and the future, the Museum sponsors an annual competition and sale of the selected works by modern craftspeople. This exhibition features a wide array of new crafts across Japan including ceramics, textiles (weaving and dyeing), wood work, lacquered ware, glass, metal, bamboo, straw, paper, and others.

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‘To cherish beautiful things is to realize and reaffirm one’s true self within them.’ ‘Objects are my close companions, yet they are also my mentors. Mingeikan (the Museum) stands as a token of my gratitude to them’ — Soetsu Yanagi, 'Story of His Collection', 1956 — is one of Yanagi’s masterpieces recording various episodes related to collection and the significance of collections. This exhibition centers on the works featured in this book as well as various works cherished by Yanagi.

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