A Gathering of Free and Individualistic Works, Distinct from Public Exhibitions

The 43rd Traditional Crafts Pottery Division Exhibition showcases approximately 250 works, ranging from those by Living National Treasures to emerging artists, all gathered in one place for exhibition and sale. The Pottery Division Exhibition is an event where ceramic artists, certified as full members after rigorous examination by the Japan Traditional Crafts Association—which also organizes the "Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition" held every September at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store—exhibit their works. This year's exhibition features a lineup of 243 pieces, including 10 new works by Living National Treasures.

Japanese Ceramic Art Overflowing with "Beauty of Use"

Mr. Nakahiroji, the head of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, stated at the opening ceremony, "Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store aims to be a place where customers can enjoy not only shopping but also culture, especially Japanese culture, under the concept of a 'culture resort department store.' The field of fine arts and crafts is precisely the core of our culture resort, and with this year designated as an Art Year, we hope to broaden the base of fine and craft art fans. Among these, pottery is the field that customers can feel closest to because it is 'usable,' so we want them to fully experience the 'beauty of use.'"

Floral Art Adorning Ceramic Works Full of Creativity and Individuality

At the ceremony, Nicolai Bergmann appeared and arranged flowers in works by four Living National Treasures. He personally inscribed the theme of each piece.

"I have great respect for Japanese craftsmanship, so I am very happy to participate in such a traditional exhibition," said Mr. Bergmann. "For Professor Hiroshi Nakajima's 'Celadon Carved Flower Vase,' I considered the flowers and the vessel as a gradient, creating a work with beautiful blue nuances. Professor Akihiro Maeda's 'White Porcelain Translucent Bowl' is a white vessel with perforations that showcase a high level of skill; I threaded branches through the holes to express a delicate detail within simplicity. For Professor Mimiyoshi Saeki's 'Inlaid Glaze Tree Pattern Flat Vase,' I twisted the straight leaves upwards to design it to convey the power of nature."

In the main venue, flowers have also been arranged in Mr. Toshiro Hori's work "Nezumi-Shino Mizusashi" (Water Jar), which Mr. Bergmann selected as the "Nicolai Bergmann Prize" winner, and it is displayed alongside his participation as a judge.

Other exhibited works include Masayo Iguchi's "Glazed Lily Flower Vase," Shu Mochizuki's "Flower Plate: Camellia," and Koichi Oyama's "Colored Iris Pattern Box." Visitors can experience the traditional Japanese creativity emanating from these ceramic works, which are full of ingenuity and individuality.

The 43rd Traditional Crafts Pottery Division Exhibition
Period: Ongoing until Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last day until 4:00 PM)
Venue: Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 6th Floor, Art Selection Gallery & Art Square
1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3241-3311
http://mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/store/nihombashi/