Raku: The Cosmos in a Teabowl
Exhibition begins March 29 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA

February 9, 2015

The Japan Foundation and the Raku Museum are very pleased to announce Raku: The Cosmos in a Teabowl, an exhibition presenting 450 years of Raku ware to be held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Raku ware, a type of Japanese ceramics first made in the 16th century by founding father Chōjirō, has continued to be made by 15 successive generations of heads of the Raku family, and with its distinctive aesthetic, holds an unparalleled place among Japanese pottery. Featuring work by past Raku masters and by the brilliant Honami Kōetsu, a close associate, as well as the wide-ranging activities (not limited to ceramics) of the current master Raku Kichizaemon XV and pieces by his son Atsundo, the future family head, this exhibition is a comprehensive survey of the unique aesthetic and philosophical realm of Raku ware, providing fascinating glimpses into each of the eras it covers.

This exhibition presents 94 works, from the serene, monochromatic teabowls of founder Chōjirō, which most directly reflect the wabi tea ceremony ideals of legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū, to the strikingly original innovations of the current Raku master. We are confident that this first full-fledged show of Raku ceramics on American soil will draw much attention and acclaim.

After its run in Los Angeles, the exhibition will travel to Russia and appear, with partially modified content, at the Hermitage Museum and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts.

Contact

Contact in Japan
The Japan Foundation
Europe, Middle East and Africa Section, Arts and Culture Dept.: Ohira (Mr.), Mori (Ms.)
Tel: +81-(0)3-5369-6063 Fax: +81-(0)3-5369-6038
E-mail: Q_europe_mideast_africa@jpf.go.jp
(When sending an e-mail, please enter a half-width character "@" instead of a full-width character "@.").

Press Contact
Taira (Ms.) (Taira Masako Press Office)
Tel: +81-(0)70-2151-4567 Fax: +81-(0)3-3468-8367
E-mail: kikin@tmpress.jp
(When sending an e-mail, please enter a half-width character "@" instead of a full-width character "@.").

Related Materials

Raku: The Cosmos in a Teabowl
Exhibition begins March 29 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA(PDF:300KB)