Japanese Ceramics Today: Masterworks of the Kikuchi Collection

On view are over 300 masterpieces created by nearly 100 living Japanese ceramists, the largest and most important show of contemporary Japanese ceramics to come to the U.S. It provides a comprehensive view of contemporary activity in a field long considered to be a major art form in Japan.

On loan from the private collection of Mme. Tomo Kikuchi of Tokyo, the pieces reflect international influence with their roots in the traditional pottery styles of Japan. Some noteworthy parts of the exhibition include a tea hut specially constructed for the exhibition; a sampling of storage boxes, each one made for a specific work of art; and a dinner set known as "the Phantom Dinner Set."

The exhibition is sponsored by the Japan Foundation and is supported in part by Mme. Kikuchi with the cooperation of the Smithsonian Institution. Tea Ceremony demonstrations in conjunction with the exhibition.