Exhibitions
Next Exhibitions
WAZA: the Artistry of Living National Treasures
2025.06.13(Fri) - 2025.07.22(Tue)
Overview
Works of kōgei developed through their respective traditions against the background of Japan’s rich culture. Behind each item are highly sophisticated skills, and their utility and beauty enrich our everyday lives.
Living National Treasures are individuals who embody the techniques and traditions cultivated over centuries having attained the highest levels of mastery and sophistication. They are recognized by the government as holders of important intangible cultural properties—the nation’s pride and joy, and key figures at the forefront of Japanese culture.
The exhibition curates work of several prominent Living National Treasures, each representing the finest artistry in their fields. The items of kōgei, ranging from ceramics to textiles, urushi lacquerware and bamboo art, entice visitors into the world of excellent craftworks and beauty of nature.
Living National Treasures are individuals who embody the techniques and traditions cultivated over centuries having attained the highest levels of mastery and sophistication. They are recognized by the government as holders of important intangible cultural properties—the nation’s pride and joy, and key figures at the forefront of Japanese culture.
The exhibition curates work of several prominent Living National Treasures, each representing the finest artistry in their fields. The items of kōgei, ranging from ceramics to textiles, urushi lacquerware and bamboo art, entice visitors into the world of excellent craftworks and beauty of nature.
◆ Featured Living National Treasures ◆ (subject to change)
CERAMIC ART
KATŌ Takuo (1917–2005), MATSUI Kōsei (1927–2003), TOKUDA Yasokichi III (1933–2009), ISESAKI Jun (1936–present), MAEDA Akihiro (1954–present), FUKUSHIMA Zenzō (1959–present), and IMAIZUMI Imaemon XIV (1962–present)
KATŌ Takuo (1917–2005), MATSUI Kōsei (1927–2003), TOKUDA Yasokichi III (1933–2009), ISESAKI Jun (1936–present), MAEDA Akihiro (1954–present), FUKUSHIMA Zenzō (1959–present), and IMAIZUMI Imaemon XIV (1962–present)
TEXTILE ART
KITAMURA Takeshi (1935–2022), SASAKI Sonoko (1939–present), SUZUTA Shigeto (1954–present), and KOMIYA Yasumasa (1956–present)
LACQUER ART
TAGUCHI Yoshikuni (1923–1998), OTA Hitoshi (1931–2019), MASUMURA Kiichiro (1941–present), KOMORI Kunie (1945–present), NAKANO Kōichi (1947–present), and MUROSE Kazumi (1950–present)
METAL ART
OKUYAMA Hōseki (1937–present), ŌSAWA Kōmin (1941–2023), YAMAMOTO Akira (1944–2024), KATSURA Morihito (1944–present), and ŌSUMI Yukie (1945–present)
WOOD/BAMBOO ART
NAKADAI Zuishin (1912–2002), FUJINUMA Noboru (1945–present), FUJITSUKA Shōsei (1949–present), and SUDA Kenji (1954–present)