Between 2019 and 2021, the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo received a number of works, mainly contemporary ceramics, from two collectors living in Kobe City.
Hirai Akio (1931- ), who runs a Western art supply store, was initially drawn to antique ceramics and began collecting them, but one day he was inspired by the work of Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966), one of the leading ceramicists in the Mingei movement, and gradually broadened his collection to include works by artists who followed the Mingei movement and holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasures). For Hirai, the time he spent displaying these works on custom-made furniture and furnishings that he designed himself and sharing them with his guests was a moment of bliss.
Meanwhile, doctor Toru Miura (1937- ), while a medical student, came across a Tanba ware vase in Tamba Tachikui and became so fascinated with pottery that he devoted himself to making pottery. Eventually, he became interested in unique ceramic works by contemporary artists, and energetically continued to collect works that touched his heart, regardless of their fame or awards. Miura later established a private art museum, the Kobe Watakushi Museum, in his own home, and his collection has been loved by many people.
This exhibition will introduce the contemporary ceramics collection that was recently donated by these two artists. Their collections reflect the warm personalities and keen aesthetic sense of these two artists, who have a deep affinity for, cherish, and above all, enjoy pottery. We hope that you will come into contact with the charm of pottery through their eyes and enjoy the exhibits together.
Date: June 11, 2022 (Sat) - August 28, 2022 (Sun)
Closed on Mondays
However, the museum will be open on Monday, July 18th (national holiday), but closed on Tuesday, July 19th.
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (9:30 on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August)
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Number of items exhibited: 313
Venue: Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum, Exhibition Hall, Exhibition Rooms 1, 2, 4, and 5
