Mingei Modern: Japanese ceramics, aesthetics, and practice at Dai Ichi Arts, New York
March 13-21, 2025
On the occasion of Asia Week New York, Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present “Mingei Modern”, an exhibition dedicated to showing ceramic and painted works from the celebrated Mingei Movement in 20th century Japan. Opening reception: Thursday, March 13th, 5-7 PM.
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.
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.
Contact
info@daiichiarts.com
Dai Ichi Arts Ltd.
18 East 64th Street, Suite 1F
New York, NY 10065
United States
Captions
- Kawai Kanjiro 河井寛次郎 (1890-1966), Stoneware flask with Gosu glaze, 1961, With signed wood box, stoneware, H20.3 × W18.8 × D14.3 cm
- Hamada Shoji 濱田庄司 (1894-1978), Large plate with black iron glaze, Signed by Hamada Shinsaku, Published in Geijutsu Shincho, p.81 (April 2003) 芸術新潮掲載(2003年4月号), Stoneware, H14.5 × Diameter 57.2 cm
- Kawai Kanjiro 河井寛次郎 (1890-1966), Dish with brushed hakeme over yellow glazed clay, 1955, With signed wood box, exhibited at Takashimaya department store in Osaka in 1959, stoneware,H6.3 × Diameter 27.9 cm
- Tomimoto Kenkichi 富本憲吉 (1886-1963), Jar, Pattern of wild berry on brushed slip, Iron brown, 1930, With signed wood box, stoneware, H12.7 × W15.2 cm
- Bernard Leach (1887-1979), Faceted flower vase with black iron glaze, With wood box signed by Hamada Tomoo, Stoneware, H36.8 × W19.8 cm
- Tomimoto Kenkichi 富本憲吉 (1886-1963), Jar, Pattern of four petaled flowers with persimmon glaze, 1934, With signed wood box, porcelain, H15.2 × W 19.0 cm
- Kawai Kanjiro 河井寛次郎 (1890-1966), Jar, c. 1956-1959, With signed wood box, stoneware, H23.3 × W17.0 × D10.6 cm
