Past
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Breathing Vessels
Contemporary ceramics by Yanagihara Mutsuo 15 May - 6 Jun 2025 Yanagihara Mutsuo (b. 1934, Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture) is a pioneering Japanese ceramic artist celebrated for his inventive forms and playful approach to clay. Raised in a family of medical doctors in Kōchi City, his early fascination with botany and the human body later influenced his sculptural ceramics. He studied at Kyoto City University of Arts under modern masters Tomimoto Kenkichi, Kondō Yūzō, and Fujimoto Yoshimichi, graduating in 1960.
Yanagihara’s career has been shaped by his exposure to international influences, particularly during his time in the United States. Teaching at Alfred University and Scripps College in the 1970s introduced him to the American studio craft movement, reinforcing his experimental and conceptual approach to ceramics. Rejecting traditional affiliations, he remained independent, allowing him to develop a unique artistic voice that blends Japanese craftsmanship with modernist and abstract principles. Now at 90, Yanagihara continues to innovate with recent series such as Exhalation and Inhalation (Koki kyūki). Throughout his career, he has embraced the tension between sculpture and function, creating works that are at once playful, imaginative, and rooted in ceramic form and tradition. In May 2025, Dai Ichi Arts is honored to present a solo exhibition of works by Yanagihara, celebrating his career spanning over six decades of ceramic innovation. Read more -
Mingei Modern
Japanese ceramics, aesthetics, and practice 13 - 21 Mar 2025 The Japanese term Mingei, coined over a century ago, is a direct translation of “crafts for ordinary people” (minshuteki kogei). Mingei was adopted by philosopher and potter Yanagi Sōetsu to define a now-revered folk-craft movement in Japan that celebrated the beauty of anonymous, utilitarian craftsmanship. The movement values simplicity, humility, and natural grace, challenging the Western focus on individual authorship and historical narrative.
Despite the Mingei Movement's emphasis on anonymity, its movement has paradoxically elevated figures such as Yanagi Sōetsu, Bernard Leach, Kawai Kanjirō, and Hamada Shōji as its key proponents. This exhibition examines the tension between Mingei's ideals and its legacy, inviting viewers to closely examine how the ceramic objects of the Mingei Movement embody its philosophy and why their forms remain profoundly beautiful today.
Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present a curated selection of significant ceramic, textile, and painted works by the pioneers of the Mingei Movement in 20th century Japan on the occasion of Asia Week New York. Exhibited artists include Kawai Kanjiro, Hamada Shoji, Bernard Leach, Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Murata Gen, Munakata Shiko, Serizawa Keisuke, and others. Read more -
Visions of a Blue Moon
Contemporary Arita porcelain by Shinji Terauchi 14 Jan - 10 Feb 2025 This January, Dai Ichi Arts is pleased to present a new collection of porcelain works by Shinji Terauchi, from the innovative Riso Kiln in Arita. The story of Riso porcelain is a compelling blend of heritage and the forward-thinking approach of an artist who deeply understands his craft, boldly asking “What’s next?” for the Japanese porcelain tradition.
Japanese porcelain, born in the late 16th century after the discovery of porcelain clay near Arita, led to the establishment of numerous kilns, producing diverse styles. This porcelain tradition boasts a long history of cultural exchange on a global scale. Amidst these rich traditions, Risogama (or Riso Kiln), emerges. Led by artist Shinji Terauchi, Riso porcelain explores timeless ceramic beauty using contemporary techniques. Having worked with Michelin star chefs and restaurants in New York and beyond, Shinji and his team takes on a new expression of functional Riso porcelain as fine art.
In this debut collection, Terauchi reimagines the moon—a recurring symbol in both Western and Japanese art—through a contemporary lens. Dedicated to natural materials, his work celebrates the evolving essence of Arita ware, merging tradition with contemporary design. Like the moon’s shifting phases, his creations embody the transformative spirit of a storied ceramic craft. Using clay, silver, gold, cobalt blue pigments, and wood ash, he bridges heritage and innovation, offering a fresh perspective on the relevance of natural materials in Arita craftsmanship today.
The collection captivates viewers, chefs, and collectors alike with its contemporary flair, diverse textures, and vibrant colors, each evoking a unique aspect of the moon's character. Through intricate surfaces and dynamic forms, Terauchi pushes the boundaries of form and function. These sculptural vessels are not only visually striking but also practical, ideal for serving Osechi, the traditional Japanese New Year dishes. Read more -
Treasures in Miniature
Winter collection 2024 11 Nov - 13 Dec 2024 This winter, Dai Ichi Arts is thrilled to present a curated collection of small works by modern and contemporary master ceramicists from Japan and Korea. These thoughtfully crafted objects celebrate the quiet beauty often overlooked in the hustle of daily life, offering a moment of stillness and reflection. The collection is divided into three distinct sections: ceramics for the calligrapher’s craft, implements for incense, and vessels for sake and tea.
We are pleased to present a new collection of ceramic water droppers from Korea, celebrating the profound influence and shared heritage that has enriched Japanese craftsmanship for centuries. Each object, whether a desk companion or a portable collector’s treasure, invites admiration for its intricate details and masterful design. These miniature works of art embody a sense of beauty in the everyday, making them perfect for personal use or as inspiration on your travels.
As the weather turns colder and the days shorter, we often find ourselves spending more time at home, surrounded by the objects we cherish. This season, we are pleased to share these exquisite ceramic creations, showcasing how innovation and expertise can emerge from the deep traditions of calligraphy, incense rituals, and drinkware. Even on the smallest scale, these objects carry with them centuries of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. We invite you to explore this enchanting collection and discover the artistry behind these timeless pieces. Read more
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Sayaka + Sayaka
Contemporary ceramics by Shingu and Oishi Sayaka 17 Oct - 1 Nov 2024 In this exhibition, flora and fauna converge, giving rise to captivating contemporary ceramics. Through the work of two young women artists from a new generation of ceramics in Japan, this show expands the potential of "decoration" as a primary mode of artistic expression, as seen through the contemporary perspectives of Shingu Sayaka and Oishi Sayaka.
Shingu Sayaka’s work places a significant emphasis on the symbolism of flora and botanical forms, allowing her to explore profound Japanese themes of mutability and ephemerality through both sculptural and functional pieces. Her work showcases the intricate beauty of butterfly wings, feathers, petals, leaves and more. In this show, she introduces a new series of "Lotus" pieces, sculpting the iconic lotus flower and its leaves into sensitive and daring ceramic sculptures that remind us of nature's fragility.
Oishi Sayaka crafts surreal compilations of fauna in her sculptural and functional creations. For this show, she has created work that showcases an exquisite array of fauna, including eagles, turtles, coral reefs, koi fish, deer, lions as well as her signature “Apple” forms that show an amalgam of her animated motifs. Through her work, she explores metaphysical themes: nature, human identity, time, and mortality converge through the mode of decoration.
Both artists from Kansai, who share the same given name and have become fast friends, have explored the tension between form, function, and surface to create new works in dialogue with one another. We welcome you to contact us for more information. Read more -
The Craft of Tea
Asia Week New York: The art of contemporary Japanese tea ceramics 12 - 20 Sep 2024 Tea drinking and its cultural practices have long been a universal expression of art and community. In the tea-drinking space, everything is connected: the tea drinker with their artfully crafted tea bowl, the ink painting adorning the wall, the host, and more. Tea offers a profound sense of gathering and shared experience through art.
This exhibition spotlights exquisite tea objects by master ceramic artists from Japan: tea bowls, water jars, tea caddies, as well as paintings by master potters who also practiced the art of calligraphy. Read more -
Tales of Seto
An exhibition of E Seto ceramics 25 Jul - 9 Aug 2024 In the realm of contemporary ceramics, "Seto" ware stands out for its distinctive regional expression and mesmerizing array of glazes. Seto is recognized as one of the oldest and most important ceramic centers in Japan, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333). The region's clay, composed of kaolin and porcelain-type stone, transforms into a brilliant white canvas when fired, facilitating a vibrant palette of colored glazes. But how did this exceptional diversity in modern ceramics come to be?
This exhibition centers around the celebrated genre, "e-seto (絵瀬戸)", which literally means “picture Seto.” The category refers to a type of painted ceramic produced in Seto, Aichi Prefecture. The many folk kilns scattered throughout the region have been manufacturing utilitarian ceramics for centuries. Experimentation with glazes and a variety of colors—black, white, green, iron red, ash, and blue and white porcelain—are hallmarks of Seto ceramics. Collectors and enthusiasts value e-seto ceramics for their beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Today, e-seto ceramics continue to symbolize Japanese artistry, reflecting both traditional and contemporary influences.
This exhibition embarks on a journey through time, exploring the origins of Seto ceramics from historical periods such as Edo, Meiji, and Showa, celebrating the art of "E-Seto." Read more -
Earthly Forms
Ceramic Works by Hiruma Kazuyo & Matsutani Fumio 13 - 28 Jun 2024 Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present this two-person exhibition showcasing the intricate ceramic works of Hiruma Kazuyo & Matsutani Fumio. Hiruma, born in 1948, crafts evocative sculptures inspired by nature’s grandeur. Using thin clay sheets and multiple glazes, she captures the essence of landscapes, erosion, and natural forces. Matsutani, born in 1975, creates vessels that merge movement, color, and surface, reflecting his mastery of traditional techniques and innovative forms. His works are characterized by architectural elegance and a refined, monochromatic palette. Together, their works create a dynamic dialogue, blending tradition with contemporary artistry, and highlighting their unique journeys and creative processes.
The forthcoming exhibition catalog features an article by author & curator Joe Earle, featuring new interviews with the artists. Read more
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Enchanted Objects
Kim Hono Solo Exhibition 2 - 16 May 2024 In his artistic odyssey, Kim Hono has crafted enchanting ceramic objects that yield a compelling formula of joy, humor, abstraction and play. He treats clay as a canvas for the play of his brush: surface treatments encompass rugged monochromatic finishes, multicolored abstract designs, whimsical line drawings, and motifs from the natural world.
Kim's creations, ranging from geometric to occasionally biomorphic and decorative pieces, exude complex sensitivity and profound expression, offering a window into his remarkable professional journey as both a contemporary studio potter and artist. His practice is a model for empathetic design full of joy. The digital catalog features a new essay by Rhiannon Paget, curator of Asian Art at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Read more -
Ceramic Frontiers
Asia Week New York: Sodeisha & Shikokai in Post-war Japanese Art 12 - 28 Mar 2024 In the landscape of mid-20th century Japan, two significant sculptural ceramic movements, Sodeisha and Shikokai, emerged concurrently during the post-war period. Dai Ichi Arts is thrilled to present a landmark exhibition this March that illuminates the richness of these historical movements, offering a distinctive lens through which to explore "Post-war" ceramics from Japan.
This exhibition unveils a curated collection of masterpieces by renowned artists integral to the Shikokai and Sodeisha canon in Japanese ceramic art history. Among the luminaries featured are Hayashi Yasuo, Suzuki Osamu, Kumakura Junkichi, Yagi Kazuo, Yamada Hikaru, Fujimoto Yoshimichi, and other influential figures that defined this pivotal period in Japanese ceramic art. Exhibition catalog features new essays by Kazuko Todate (Art Critic/Member of the International Academy of Ceramics & former a chief curator of Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, Japan) & Daniel McOwan (Scholar and Curator of Japanese Art). Read more -
Soil to Splendor
The Art of Wood-Fired Ceramics from Japan 8 - 22 Feb 2024 Yakishime, or, more precisely, ceramics that are unglazed wares fired at extremely high temperatures, stand as a testament to one of the most ancient alchemies of pottery creation in Japan. The tradition embodied in these primordial wares continues unbroken to this day. This exhibition focuses on modern and contemporary interpretations of this primordial craft, where the essence of ash and clay is reignited through new forms steeped in tradition.
This group exhibition invites viewers to savor the aesthetics of "Earthen tastes," or "Tsuchi-Aji" through Yakishime ceramics. Exhibited artists include: Kohara Yasuhiro, Isezaki Jun, Sugimoto Sadamitsu, Mori Togaku, Tsujimura Shiro, Shimizu Keiichi, Yabe Shunichi, Tanimoto Kei, and more. Read more -
Winter Collection
Exhibition of Japanese Contemporary Sake and Tea Ceramics 22 Nov 2023 - 4 Jan 2024 Our holiday collection features new ceramic works by 3 artist-craftsmen: Our 3 gallery artists Kim Hono, Ikenishi Go, and Komago Tetsutarou each bring unique perspectives to the concept of "Kogei", crafting objects from the heart. We warmly invite you with gratitude this festive season to browse ceramic works full of joy.
Exploring form, function, decoration, and traditions, these artists' expressions of "Kogei'' serve as a vibrant tribute to the joys of form and function in expansive objects. This exhibition showcases the debut collections of Ikenishi Go & Komago Tetsutaro at Dai Ichi Arts and in the United States, as well as a highly anticipated new ceramic collection by Kim Hono.
All works will be available to view in-person by appointment only from November 27th until January 4th. Please contact us in advance to see requested works. Read more
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Goto Hideki, Higashida Shigemasa
& Contemporary Expressions of Shino and Oribe 26 Oct - 13 Nov 2023 Our Oribe & Shino exhibition shows our commitment to showcase artists who breathe new life into traditional techniques. Our October exhibition showcases a collection of new works by the Oribe & Shino talents Higashida Shigemasa and Goto Hideki. The accompanying exhibition catalog will showcase articles by our guest essayist Andreas Marks, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese and Korean Art and director of the Clark Center for Japanese Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Read more -
Yasuhara Kimei
Solo Exhibition 12 - 28 Sep 2023 Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present “Object, Vessel: Ikebana Sogetsu, Yasuhara Kimei, and the Art of Japanese ceramics” on the September 2023 occasion of Asia Week New York. This exhibition focuses on the symbiotic relationship between the ceramic works of Japanese potter Yasuhara Kimei and the Ikebana Sogetsu school in Japan.
Little known in the west, Yasuhara Kimei (1906-1980) was one of Japan's most avant-garde ceramic artists of the 20th century. His ceramic work inspired the innovative floral artists of the famous Ikebana Sogetsu school and produced a transcendental impact on modern potters and Ikebana artists alike in Japan that has lasted generations. This exhibition is the first to present an extensive collection of Yasuhara Kimei’s profound ceramic vessels alongside his contemporaries in the west. The accompanying exhibition catalog features essays by Kazuko Todate, Professor & Faculty at the Tama University of Art, and Russell Kelty, Curator at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Read more -
Clay in Motion
Women artists in Contemporary Japanese Ceramics 20 Jul - 10 Aug 2023 Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present the summer exhibition “Clay in Motion: Women Artists in Japanese Ceramics”. This group spotlights the works of several distinguished contemporary women artists. From emerging artists to artists who are part of a vanguard generation of highly influential post-war artists in Japan, the works presented in this exhibition are imbued with intelligence, creativity, and sensitivity for form. The title “Clay in Motion” points to the forward-facing contemporary ceramic industry that is moved by innovation and inclusion. Exhibited are works by artists Kitamura Junko, Tanaka Yu, Watanabe Aiko, Etsuko Tashima, Ayumi Shigematsu, Oishi Sayaka, Shingu Sayaka, Kishi Eiko, Matsuda Yuriko, Ogawa Machiko, Hiruma Kazuyo, Ueba Kasumi. Read more -
Contemporary Chadogu
Collecting contemporary Japanese tea ware 5 Jun - 5 Jul 2023 Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. is delighted to present “Contemporary Chadōgu”: a summer showcase of contemporary Japanese ceramic tea utensils.
This exhibition offers a range of contemporary Japanese ceramic tea utensils for both life-long and new collectors of Japanese ceramics. The show focuses on tea bowls, water jars, and tea caddies by modern masters and contemporary talents.
Exhibiting artists: FURUTANI Michio 古谷道生 , SAWA Kiyotsugu 澤 清嗣, KAMADA Koji 鎌田幸二, KAWAMOTO Goro 河本五郎, KAWASE Shinobu 川瀬 忍, SUGIMOTO Sadamitsu 杉本貞光, SUZUKI Goro 鈴木五郎, TAKIGUCHI Kiheiji 瀧口喜兵爾, NAKAMURA Kinpei 中村錦平, KOIE Ryoji 鯉江良二, KAKUREZAKI Ryuichi 隠崎隆一, HAYASHI Shotaro 林正太郎, HIGASHIDA Shigemasa 東田茂正, TSUJIMURA Yui 辻村唯, MATSUNAGA Keita 松永圭太, SHINGU Sayaka 新宮さやか, KATO Tsubusa 加藤委, ISESAKI Mitsuru 伊勢崎満, OISHI Sayaka 大石さやか. Read more
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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. Read more -
Intangible Heritage
Asia Week New York: The Art of Japan's Living National Treasures 1 - 24 Mar 2023 “Living National Treasure” is a popular term for the title, Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (重要無形文化財保持者). The honors began in 1947, when Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs created the system in order to preserve cultural or artistic skill sets, a piece of heritage that is “intangible”. Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present a group exhibition of the exceptional works of Japan’s ceramic Living National Treasures, on the occasion of March Asia Week 2023. “Intangible Heritage: The Art of Japan’s Living National Treasures” shows the modern masters in a new light. From porcelain to stoneware; from celadon to iron glazes, expect a stunning range of ceramic techniques. The artists showcased are pioneers and leaders of their respective craft, whose legacies continue to inspire around the world.
List of Artists featured: ● SHIMIZU Uichi 清水 卯一（b.1926-2004) Designated LNT in 1985 ● KONDO Yuzo 近藤悠三 (b.1902-1985) Designated LNT in 1977 ● TOKUDA Yasokichi Ⅲ 3代 徳田八十吉 (b.1933-2009) Designated LNT in 1997 ● HAMADA Shoji 濱田庄司 (b.1894 - 1978) Designated LNT in 1955 ● NAKAJIMA Hiroshi 中島宏 (b.1941-2018) Designated LNT in 2007 ● FUJIWARA Yu 藤原雄 (b.1932- 2001) Designated LNT in 1996 ● HARA Kiyoshi 原 清 (b.1936) Designated LNT in 2005 ● MATSUI Kosei 松井康成 (b.1927-2003) Designated LNT in 1993 ● TAMURA Koichi 田村耕一 (1918-1987) Designated LNT in 1986 ● SHIMAOKA Tatsuzo 島岡達三 (b.1919-2007) Designated LNT 1996 ● YOSHITA Minori 吉田美統 (b.1932) Designated LNT in 2001 ● INOUE Manji 井上萬二 (b. 1929) Designated LNT in 1995 ● ISEZAKI Jun 伊勢崎淳 (b.1936) Designated LNT in 2004 ● KATO Takuo 加藤卓夫 (1917-2005) Designated LNT in 1995 ● IMAIZUMI Imaemon XIII 十三代今泉今右衛門 (b.1926-2001) Designated LNT in 1989 ● MIWA Kyusetsu XI 十一代 三輪休雪(b.1910-2012) Designated LNT in 1983 ● TOMIMOTO Kenkichi富本憲吉 (b.1886-1963) Designated LNT in 1955 ● SUZUKI Osamu 鈴木蔵 (b. 1934) Designated LNT in 1994 Read more -
Objects of Affection
February Group Show 1 - 28 Feb 2023 Dai Ichi Arts is presenting a group exhibition of recent masterpieces, sake ware & more by emerging ceramic talents alongside established masters from Japan to accompany you this month. The show will feature the works of Hayashi Shotaro, Higashida Shigemasa, Kitamura Junko, Suzuki Osamu, Koyama Yasuhisa, Shingu Sayaka, Inayoshi Osamu, Takada Naoki, Oishi Sayaka and more. Read more -
The Gift of Art
Holiday Offerings 2022 1 Dec 2022 - 20 Jan 2023 In gratitude to the Year of the Tiger 2022, Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present our December group show 'The Gift of Art.' This year's holiday collection expresses our gratitude with a holiday sale for this exhibition of selected artworks for the festive season. From small works such as... Read more
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Dreaming in Mino
Oribe & Shino 1 Nov - 15 Dec 2022 Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present our Winter 2022 exhibition “Dreaming in Mino: Oribe & Shino”, exploring the work of modern and contemporary artists who practice in 2 much-loved styles of Japanese pottery: Oribe & Shino yaki.
Famous for its patches of copper green, its variety of colorful gradations that the glaze type permits and playful decorations, Oribe ware is an indispensable part of any Japanese Modern art collection. In its inception, Oribe ware was known for its daring departure from monochrome conventions in pottery during the Keichō and Genna eras (1596–1624). This ahead-of-its-time experimental spirit lives on in modern ceramics in the work of our Autumn selection of artists and potters who are at the forefront of carrying the tradition and spirit of Oribe into the future (Suzuki Goro, Higashida Shigemasa, Kato Yasukage, and more).
Often studied and collected alongside Oribe ware is the much loved Shino pottery type. Shino-yaki was first fired during the Momoyama era (1568-1603) at kilns in Mino (present-day Gifu). Usually fashioned on stoneware, it is characterized by a thick yet porous and viscous glaze. The areas where the glaze does not touch fire a bright vermillion or red where the kiln’s fire has licked the white Mino clay. Traditionally fired in Anagama kilns, Shino-yaki can take on a dramatic appearance with a stark contrast between colors, or subtle, muted tones of white gradation. Modern artists take on this traditional glaze and play with its opacity, for the silica in the glaze may oxidize differently and produce different capacities of translucency. The fine glassy effect can be seen in the examples of Nezumi-shino by Wakao Toshisada. Meanwhile, the work of Tamaoki Yasuo and Hayashi Shotaro showcase the ability of Shino glazes to take on a spectacular, iron-rich, red shade. This exhibition presents the various types of Shino-yaki, showing off various shades of blue-gray, a fiery rust-red, to a clear, pure white. Read more -
Tsubo
Asia Week New York: The Art of Vessels 1 Sep - 27 Oct 2022 Dai Ichi Arts is proud to present our exhibition "Tsubo: The Art of Vessels", on the occasion of the Fall 2022 iteration of Asia Week New York. The Jar or Tsubo (壺) is a conceptually, technically, and visually boundless category of Japanese ceramics. This exhibition explores sublime interpretations of the Tsubo form by Japan's modern & contemporary ceramic masters. Read more -
Modern Splendor
Exceptional Contemporary Japanese Ceramics 11 Jul - 31 Aug 2022 Join Dai Ichi Arts for our summer show, featuring splendid works by Modern Japanese ceramic artists who are masters of Contemporary Craft in both technique and aesthetic sensibility. This summer show will feature works of art in clay by Fukami Sueharu, Yoshikawa Masamichi, Kawase Shinobu, Imanishi Masaya, Shimizu Keiichi, Mihara... Read more -
Rokkoyō
The Six Ancient Kilns of Japan 2 - 30 Jun 2022 Dai Ichi Arts will present a summer exhibition showcasing Modern & Contemporary Japanese ceramics from the 'Nihon Rokkoyō' (Japan's Six Ancient Kilns). The Rokkoyō category describes six representative ceramic production sites that has continued from Medieval Japan to the contemporary day: Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tanba and Bizen. Journey through... Read more
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Future Forms
Asia Week New York: Avant-Garde Sculpture in Modern Japanese Ceramics 1 - 30 Mar 2022 On the occasion of the spring iteration of Asia Week New York 2022, Dai Ichi Arts is proud to present an exhibition, “Future Forms: Avant-Garde Sculpture in Japanese Ceramics”, showcasing a group of post-war, avant-garde sculptures that exemplify the idea of the "Kiln-Fired Object". Rather, this group of works epitomizes the ideologies of three central figures that pioneered the admission of the sculptural format into the world of Japanese ceramics. Yagi Kazuo 八木 一夫(1918-79), Yamada Hikaru 山田光 (1924-2001), and Suzuki Osamu 鈴木治 (1926-2001)’s philosophies sought to solidfy the role of the non-functional ceramic object in the world of Japanese pottery. As such, this exhibit will showcase the instrumental work of Yamada Hikaru, Suzuki Osamu, Hayashi Yasuo, Yanagihara Mutsuo, and the more contemporary sculptures of Miwa Ryosaku. This group of artworks will also spotlight the work of several distinguished contemporary women sculptors who are part of a vanguard generation of highly influential post-war artists in Japan. For example, the radical works of Tashima Etsuko 田嶋悦子 (b. 1959), Kishi Eiko 岸 映子 (b. 1948), and Sakurai Yasuko 櫻井靖子 (b. 1969), who investigate the use of light and color in their clay. On the other hand, the works of Ayumi Shigematsu 重松あゆみ (b. 1958) and Suhama Tomoko 須浜智子 (b. 1965) explore form and surface as influenced by Suzuki Osamu and West Coast Minimalism. Meanwhile, Matsuda Yuriko 松田百合子 (b. 1943) , Shingu Sayaka 新宮さやか (b. 1979), Kato Mami 加藤真美 (b. 1963) & more elaborate upon decorative motifs, creating surfacescapes on ceramic exteriors. The exhibition brings to light on how female voices have understood the sculptural visual vocabulary & modernisms of the radical Sodeisha Movement. Get in touch today for a copy of our catalogue (digital or in-print), or to arrange a viewing of the full exhibition in an online viewing room, or in-person! Read more -
Modern Masters
Objects of Affection 1 - 28 Feb 2022 This February, we are pleased to present a group of works by Modern Masters of Japanese ceramics, surrounding the theme “Objects of Affection.” From small sake cups, tea bowls that rest tenderly in one’s hands, to recent masterpieces by potters, we are glad to present a group of delightful objects to accompany you this February. The exhibition will feature a group of sake cups by Living National Treasures (SHIMAOKA Tatsuzo 島岡達三(1919-2007) LNT 人間国宝, ARAKAWA Toyozo 荒川豊蔵 (1894-1985), LNT 人間国宝, KAMODA Shoji 加守田章二 (1933-1983) LNT 人間国宝, MIWA Kyusetsu 十一代 三輪休雪(1910-2012) LNT 人間国宝 and more), Tea bowls by potters who have artful and innovative interpretations of traditional glazes (ICHIKAWA Toru 市川 透 (b. 1973), ISEZAKI Koichiro 伊勢﨑晃一朗 (b. 1974). We will be updating this exhibition throughout the month of February with new pieces- stay tuned, or get in touch with us to preview the show today! Read more -
Celebrations
Brightness & Lustre in Contemporary Japanese Ceramics 6 Dec 2021 - 5 Jan 2022 Brightness and lustre are inherent components to the history of Japanese decorative arts. From textiles to ceramics, surface sheen and the ability for objects to iridesce has endured throughout the ages. In Modern & Contemporary Japanese ceramics, we see artists render beautifully elaborate innovations on the potential for ceramic surfaces to opalesce. We see this particularly in works by artists who take risks by either manipulating the clay surface (Oishi Sayaka 大石早矢香 b. 1980, Shingu Sayaka 新宮さやか b. 1979), or formulating unconventional glaze recipes that create nacreous surface texture (Miyamura Hideaki 宮村 秀明 b. 1955, Ichikawa Toru 市川 透 1973), or by adding unconventional contemporary materials to a porcelain surface (Suzuki Hideaki 鈴木 秀昭 b. 1959). These artists push the boundaries of how the ceramic medium and its surfaces may interact with light. We are pleased to exhibit a group of works this winter that ruminate upon the celebratory idea of lustre, presenting a kaleidoscope of iridescence and splendor. Read more -
Surfacescapes
Surface, Affect, Image in Japanese Ceramics 4 Nov - 1 Dec 2021 In our November show, we introduce a group of works that combine classical sensibilities with modern reinterpretations in traditional ceramic vessels. From decorative surfaces embellished with a gold lustre, to scrolling images across a guinomi surface, to textural surfaces on high-fired stoneware whose craqueleur gives the surface a sense of... Read more
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Terraform
Asia Week New York: Depictions of Earth in Japanese Ceramics from 1970 2 - 30 Sep 2021 Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. is delighted present our fall exhibition “Terraform: Depictions of Earth in Japanese Ceramics from 1970” on the occasion of the fall 2021 iteration of Asia Week New York.
The exhibition brings focus to Japanese ceramics that play upon the theme “Terraform.” Curated into two parts, the first group of works is bound by the theme “Memories of the Earth”, articulating the relationship between time, memory, earth, and clay. The sculptural forms from the ceramicists Suzuki Osamu 鈴木 藏 (b. 1934, LNT), Hiruma Kazuyo 昼馬 和代 (b. 1947), and Hayashi Shotaro 林 正太郎 (b. 1947) in this group respond to the wonders of the natural landscape in their work. The second group of works surrounds “Earthen Images”, tying together representations of the earth via image, pictorial forms, and surfacescape from the ceramic works of Murata Gen 村田 元 (1904-1988) and Wakao Toshisada 若尾 利貞 (b. 1933).
From form to image, this exhibition enquires into the literal, affectual, sculptural and representational ways that clay may be used to envision the earth. We warmly invite you to get in touch to view selected works, or to receive a copy of our catalogue. Read more -
Returning to the Earth
Ion Fukazawa 13 May - 3 Jun 2021 Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present our May exhibition, highlighting Ion Fukazawa's recent series "Returning to the Earth", while highlighting works of art by ceramicists whose techniques and styles he has inherited, all of which highlight the Earthbound materiality of clay. Read more -
Passages Through Time
New York Asia Week Spring 2021 11 - 31 Mar 2021 Dai Ichi Arts Ltd. is delighted to present to you this special exhibition, "Passages Through Time", which examines a brief history of Japanese ceramics from Post-War and Avant-Garde, to Contemporary Masters. We sincerely hope this brings beauty, introspection, and curiosity to your experience of time. Read more -
Moments
Finding Moments of Tranquility 24 Nov - 22 Dec 2020 It is a pleasure to present this exhibition, which we have put together with a special purpose: to bring beauty and tranquility and the excitement of artful expression to you during these trying times. Highlighting our guinomi collection, this exhibition aims to showcase how the functional ceramic object has been... Read more
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New Artists: Wonders of Life
Oishi Sayaka and Suzuki Hideaki 1 - 31 Aug 2020 Capturing celestial and earthbound microecosystems in their works, Oishi Sayaka and Suzuki Hideaki use innovative ceramic processes to portray fantastical environments informed by Surrealist forms and Art-Nouveau respectively. Their works feature elaborate sculptural and functional ceramics and porcelain that showcase intricate ornamentation. Read more -
Hayashi Yasuo
In celebration of abstraction 10 - 30 Sep 2019 Hayashi Yasuo (1928-) began his artistic career in the 1950s, and is now considered one of the most important forerunners of abstraction in contemporary Japanese ceramics. As a founding member of the Shikokai association of potters, he played a role in the modernization of the medium from the very beginning.... Read more -
Whispering Ash
New York Asia Week Fall 2019: Yakishime 焼締 5 - 20 Sep 2019 Yakishime represents a unique chapter in modern art’s engagement with indigenous and ancient artistic traditions. After World War II, Japanese artists experimented with Western styles of modern art while reconsidering their own national identity. Ceramicists explored the legacies of artists like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, who looked to non-Western and ancient influences for inspiration and self-reflection, contributing to a movement that has been called primitivism. Such outlooks have since been criticized by historians for reinforcing imperialist hierarchies and notions of otherness. Operating decades later and in a starkly different political reality, Japanese artists looked inward to find their distinct voice in global conversations on modernity. Yakishime moved Japanese traditions away from its recent imperialist legacy and toward a new modern outlook.
The perfect texture must start with the perfect clay. Whispering Ash presents works created from Iga clay, the iconic kilns of Bizen, and much more. Japanese ceramic artists have been known to go to extremes to find the perfect clay texture and ash deposits, a tendency only encouraged by Yakishime. A specific clay deposit can pass from one generation to the next, a carefully guarded resource. While some potters chew a piece of clay to determine its quality, others smell and feel it, highlighting the sensory knowledge required. Certain clays and textures produce different ash colors depending on the kind of wood, and each potter must calibrate his materials and his kiln carefully to achieve the desired result, a perfect wabi-sabi balance. The Yakishime work passes on the sensory knowledge of the artist with its composition of clay and ash. 土の味 refers to “the flavor of clay” while 景色 is another key term that means “the marks from wood fire,” the two protagonists of wabi-sabi excellence in yakishime pottery.
For our Whispering Ash exhibition, we have carefully selected several distinctive clay surfaces and have studied the historical progress of the Yakishime style in order to examine just how artists have orchestrated the great symphony of clay and ash. Read more -
Oribe & Shino
Contemporary reimagining of Oribe & Shino 9 - 23 May 2019 Shino, Oribe, Kiseto, and Setoguro are distinctly Japanese ceramic traditions that peaked in the centrally-located Mino province during the Momoyama 桃山 Era (1573-1615). A significant moment in the history of Japanese ceramics, local potters departed from Korean and Chinese traditions to express what was unique to their land through Mino... Read more
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Sato Masayuki
End of the Water: Solo exhibition 8 - 25 Oct 2018 Read more -
Hiruma Kazuyo
Memories of Water and Earth 7 - 21 Sep 2018 Dai Ichi Arts Ltd. is pleased to announce its inagural exhibition with the contemporary Japanese ceramic artist Hiruma Kazuyo 昼 馬 和 代. The exhibition will be her first solo New York show. Memories of Water and Earth will feature a series of works that highlight Hiruma's investigation of how memory and erosion come forth in aquatic and terrestrial forms. Ceraic sculptures depicting water and earth inspire nuanced explorations of how these two natural forces interact with time.
The works presented are fastidiously constructed yet remain anchored in natural phenomena. Hiruma layers thin sheets of clay horizontally or vertically to create each work, finally glazing and firing the ceramic after spending a month or two building it. The artist's practice stands out from contemporary ceramic work bound in tradition through its manipulation of space and movement through space. Dynamic and impressive in size, Hiruma's work diverges from the smaller objects usually on display in a Japanese tokonoma, or reception room. The exhibition reflects Dai Ichi Arts' commitment to working with artists to promote ceramic works that are accessible in meaning yet rich in visual language.
This exhibition has been sold out. Thank you very much. Read more
