temporary closure (3/23–3/30)
Precious Forms of Mingei
—selected by Director Naoto Fukasawa
March 31st (Tue)–June 21st (Sun), 2015
Looking at the collection by Soetsu Yanagi, there are filled with loveliness and attractiveness which never reject people. It could be expressed by the word 'kawaii'. This word might sound a little thoughtless, but it touches the core of the universe of aesthetics deeply and also is connected to the pacifism and affection closely. In this exhibition about 150 pieces precious crafts will be selected from the collection.
Aruhat. the late of Joseon Dynasty, 19th century. h.20.0cm.
temporary closure (6/22–6/29)
Animal Motifs in Crafts and Paintings
June 30th (Tue)–August 23rd (Sun), 2015
Animal motifs could be seen in various fields such as paintings, dyeing materials, ceramic paintings and so on. Most of them have relations to auspicious design or religious beliefs and necessarily involved with people's daily lives. This exhibition will show crafts and paintings with animal motifs to see how they have been expressed.
Portrait of Falcon Perched on a Branch. Joseon Dynasty, 16th century. detail.
temporary closure (8/24–8/31)
Serizawa Keisuke
—the 120th anniversary of his birth
September 1st (Tue)–November 23rd (Mon), 2015
Having encountered a philosophy of crafts by Soetsu Yanagi (1889-1961) and bingata works of Okinawa, Keisuke Serizawa (1895-1984) had decided to be a dyer. Then he established his original technique of kata-ezome stencil dyeing. Bright colors and bold design are characteristics of his works and he used this technique for kimono, noren curtains, screens and so on. In this exhibition, paintings on ceramics and rough sketches will be also on display and introduce the world of Serizawa.
Map of Okinawa. Keisuke Serizawa. 1939. l.133.5cm.
temporary closure (11/24–12/11)
New Works Competition and Exhibition 2015
December 12th (Sat)–24th (Thu), 2015
Dedicated to the pursuit of quality handcrafts for today and the future, the Museum sponsors an annual competition, display, and sale of handmade objects by craftspeople. Anyone can participate in the competition. The categories are: ceramics, hand dyed or hand woven textiles, wood work, lacquered ware, metal, bamboo, straw, glass, paper and others.
※West Hall will be closed on Dec. 12th, 2015.
New Works Competition and Exhibition 2014 poster
temporary closure (12/25–1/8)
The Dharma Gate of Beauty
—the concepts of beauty by Soetsu Yanagi
January 9th (Sat)–March 21st (Mon), 2016
In 1948, Soetsu Yanagi wrote 'The Dharma Gate of Beauty', receiving a revelation from the fourth vow of 'Infinite Life Sutra', primary text of Pure Land Buddhism. Yanagi finally made it clear why works produced by unknown craftspeople have been associated with supreme beauty. This exhibition will be composed of works which have close relationship with Buddhism as well as books and articles written by Yanagi, and will introduce the concepts of beauty.
Four books on Buddhist idea of beauty by Soetsu Yanagi (private edition).
temporary closure (3/22–4/1)
