Ginza Wako will be holding "Maeda Akihiro: White Porcelain Collection" at the Seiko House Hall (formerly Wako Hall) from October 10th (Thurs) to 20th (Sun). This will be the first solo exhibition at Wako in 10 years and the fourth by Maeda Akihiro, a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for "white porcelain."
Maeda has his studio in the rich nature of his hometown, Tottori Prefecture, and is inspired by the seasonal changes of nature around him. He creates many of his hakuji (white porcelain) pieces with neat shapes, with the desire to "express in form the beauty of the interwoven light and shadow." He creates unique glazes that are clear yet warm, with a pale bluish, moist white surface that evokes the humid snow that falls in Tottori Prefecture.
After shaping the piece thickly on a potter's wheel, he applies pressure with his hands and painstakingly carves it down, deliberately leaving faint traces of his hand, creating works that beautifully combine the opposing elements of hardness and softness.
This year marks the turning point for Maeda, who turns 70. "Pottery cannot exist apart from its purpose, but I feel that practical use alone is lacking in interesting shapes and beauty," says Maeda, who continues to pioneer new areas for white porcelain without denying its utility.
This exhibition will feature 70 pieces that could be called the culmination of Maeda's pursuit of the "shape of vessels," including vases, incense burners, and sake vessels. Please come and enjoy this world of calm and tranquility.
“White porcelain incense burner” W12.7×H12.4cm
(Back) "White porcelain beveled sake cup" (left) W8.5 x H14.4cm, (right) W8.3 x H14.0cm, (front) "White porcelain screw cup" (left) W7.2 x H4.0cm, (right) W6.5 x H5.2cm
"White porcelain vase" W27.5 x H34.4cm
Photo: Taku Saijo
Akihiro Maeda (Maeta Akihiro) Biography
Born in Tottori Prefecture in 1954
1977 Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Ceramics, Osaka University of Arts
1991: Received the Mainichi Newspaper Award at the 11th Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition
1997: Won the Excellence Award at the 10th MOA Okada Mokichi Award Exhibition
2000: Received the Asahi Shimbun Prize at the 47th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
2003: 20th Anniversary Tanabe Museum of Art Grand Prize, Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, Grand Prize, 50th Anniversary Prize, 50th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
2004 2003 Japan Ceramic Society Award
2005: Won the 60th Anniversary Grand Prize at the 60th Anniversary Shinsho Kogei Exhibition
2007: Received the Purple Ribbon Medal
2010: Received the Tottori Prefecture Cultural Merit Award
2013: Certified as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "White Porcelain"
2015: Exhibited at the British Museum's "Treasures of the World" exhibition
2020 2019 Japan Ceramic Society Gold Award Winner
"Maeda Akihiro's White Porcelain Music"
October 10th (Thurs) – 20th (Sun)
Venue: Seiko House Hall (Seiko House 6F, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Contact: 03-3562-2111 (main number)
Business hours: 11:00-19:00 (until 17:00 on the last day)
Closed: Open all year round Admission fee: Free
Organizer: Wako
◎Wako Hall has been renamed "Seiko House Hall."
We will be communicating with the world in a variety of ways, including exhibits related to the Seiko Group's businesses in general and collaborations with artists.
Business hours and events may change without notice.
Please visit our website for the latest information.
Home page
https://www.wako.co.jp/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wako_ginza_tokyo/
Instagram dedicated to art
https://www.instagram.com/art_wako_ginza_tokyo/
From the press release of Wako Co., Ltd.
<Past related articles>
[Ginza Wako] "Ma" Calligraphy Exhibition by Noriko Keitoku to be held from Thursday, July 18th
[Wako, Ginza] "Orishige Mineko Photo Exhibition Koin 2024" will be held from Thursday, July 4th
