Murata Gen
The Heart's Eye
24 Apr - 17 May 2023
Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present the first ever solo exhibition of the works of Mingei artist Murata Gen in North America. The show will explore the plethora of vessels & functional forms Murata created, with an emphasis on his sensitivity for painted clay surfaces. “The Heart’s Eye: In Search of Murata Gen” illustrates an affectual and emotional side of Mingei craft expression through the works of Murata Gen alongside the works of his contemporaries (Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Shoji Hamada, Kawai Kanjiro, and Matsuzaki Ken) in modern & contemporary Japan.
Murata Gen has been a favorite of Mingei collectors for decades, but his works have never received the recognition they deserve. Considered as the underdog of the Mingei folk-craft canon in the world of Japanese ceramics, Murata Gen’s works are underestimated, influential, and remarkable, all foregrounded by his training in classical painting. This exhibition aims to celebrate and establish him as an important part of Mashiko, Mingei, and Japanese folk-craft modern history. Influenced by the likes of Yanagi Soetsu, Mingei craft, Mashiko, and the art of yakimono pottery, Murata Gen's humble beginnings and storied career is sure to delight collectors of modern & contemporary design. The show includes a full digital exhibition catalog as part of our digital library.
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