Freitag, 11. September 2015, 18:30–20:00 The First 100 Years of Japanese Porcelain ‒Imari Ware: The Ko-Kutani style

Toguri Bijutsukan – Imari Ware: The Ko-Kutani style
Experiencing the imari ware

On Friday evening Sept. 11 at 6:30 pm, OAG will make an excursion to the Toguri Museum of Art in
Shoto/Shibuya to learn about Japanese porcelain.
Because we have received a special invitation, we will enjoy our own private viewing, including a guided tour in English of the current „Imari ware in the Ko-Kutani style“ exhibition by Japan Times columnist and arts writer Alice Gordenker. She will give a brief introductory lecture about the history of Japanese porcelain, and then guide us through the exhibition.
OAG members who were lucky enough to join us on the private tour Ms. Gordenker gave us last year of the Art Deco Teien Museum in Shirokane know that her tours are very informative and enjoyable, and her enthusiasm for learning about Japan is infectious. Afterwards, we will have a very special opportunity to view, touch and photograph up close rare museum-quality examples of Japanese porcelain from the Edo Period.

The first porcelain in Japan was made in the early 17th century in the area around Arita in what is now Saga Prefecture in Kyushu. At first, most pieces were decorated in the blue-and-white style called sometsuke, but in the 1640s, new enamel paints were introduced, making more colorful designs possible. This early colorful style came to be called the „Ko-Kutani style.“ On this visit, we will explore in depth this style, with its big, bold designs and often surprising color combinations.
The Toguri Museum of Art is a private museum specializing in fine Asian porcelain, founded in 1983. Its collection contains over 8,000 fine works, including Japanese, Chinese and Korean porcelain. Mr. Toguri himself will welcome us to the museum and accompany us throughout the evening.
Fee for this excursion is 2,000 yen, which includes admission, the guided tour in English and special „hands on“ touching experience. Each participant will receive a gift of two tickets good for another visit (a 2,000 yen value). Don’t miss this very special opportunity.

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Diese Führung ist Teil einer Reihe von Ausstellungen, die die Anfänge des japanischen Porzellans zeigen. Diese Ausstellung ist noch bis zum 23. September zu sehen. Freitags ist das Museum bis 19 Uhr geöffnet!
Falls das Thema „Japanisches Porzellan“ auf Interesse stößt, werden auch Führungen durch die folgenden beiden Ausstellungen angeboten.

6. Oktober bis 23. Dezember 2015
Imari Ware: Masterpieces of the Kakiemon and Kinrande

7. Januar bis 21. März 2016
Masterpieces of Nabeshima Ware