Nature, Tradition & Innovation: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Gordon Brodfuehrer Collection

June 3 – August 27, 2017

Innovative and bold sculptural forms by more than forty contemporary Japanese ceramists, inspired by the natural world, depict mountains, waterfalls, ocean shores, and bamboo groves. More than sixty ceramic works – from exquisite flower vases and serene tea bowls to whimsical sake cups and robust platters – reveal the earthly beauty of Japanese ceramics. Select pieces are paired with digital photographs, taken by photographer Taijiro Ito, highlighting their poetic connection to nature. The featured ceramists are closely associated with many of Japan’s traditional pottery centers and are supporters of the mingei movement, in which objects of unsurpassed beauty are made for everyday use. Nature, Tradition &  Innovation: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Gordon Brodfuehrer Collection was developed by Mingei International Museum in San Diego, California, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

Exhibition Highlights

Satoru Hoshino, First Snow of Spring Vase, 2009, hand-formed glazed stoneware, Collection of Gordon Brodfuehrer, photo courtesy of Tim Siegert

Mitsunori Tokuzawa, Sea Spray Breaking on Rocks, 2011, glazed stoneware, Collection of Gordon Brodfuehrer, photo courtesy of Ken Kondo

Yasuhiro Kohara, Handled Basket, 2006, glazed stoneware, Collection of Gordon Brodfuehrer, photo courtesy of Tim Siegert

Tetsuya Ishiyama, Lidded Water Vessel, stoneware with natural-ash glaze, Collection of Gordon Brodfuehrer, photo courtesy of Tim Siegert

Thanks to the members, donors, grantors, and sponsors who support the exhibition and programs.

Presenting Sponsor

Programming Sponsors

A Wisconsin Arts Board Creation and Presentation Grant with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts sustains exhibitions and programs. Sponsored in part by the City of Wausau Room Tax. Support for hands-on art-making supplies comes from the Walmart Foundation.