National Crafts Museum in Japan to hold third of its grand opening exhibition

The National Crafts Museum, Japan’s only national art museum specializing in kogei (crafts), will hold the third of its Grand Opening Exhibitions titled “Modern Crafts and Tea Utensils: Furnishings in Each Season” from April 29 to July 4.

The museum houses about 3,900 works from the late 19th century to the present. These works cover various fields including ceramics, glassware, lacquerware, woodwork, bamboo work, textiles, dolls, metalwork, as well as examples of industrial and graphic designs.

The National Crafts Museum was originally located in Tokyo. It was established in 1977 as the Crafts Gallery of the National Museum of Modern. In 2020, it was relocated to Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture in the northwest of Japan as part of the government’s decentralization policy.

Besides exhibition rooms, the National Crafts Museum Japan features the reassembled and restored studio of lacquer artist Matsuda Gonroku. On display are the tools and materials he used to practice his craft, reassembled to appear exactly as they were during Gonroku’s lifetime.

There are also touch panels and video installations which explain Japanese crafts terminology and techniques. These are available in English, Chinese and Korean languages, and can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

Step into Japan’s rich culture and arts

The National Crafts Museum Japan is attracting attention as a new base for travel to Kanazawa, where visitors can fully experience Japanese culture, from the samurai era to the present.

Near the National Crafts Museum are Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, which houses 17th-century national treasures and other great pieces of art. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is also within a walking distance.

Kanazawa is a city with many historical buildings and rich traditional culture. There are several tea house streets lined with traditional townhouse architecture. Many shops selling craft goods are also available. In the evening, you can enjoy sushi made with fresh seafood, along with locally made sake.

National Crafts Museum Japan’s upcoming exhibition

April 29 – July 4, 2021
Modern Crafts and Tea Utensils: Furnishings in Each Season — The Third of the National Crafts Museum’s Grand Opening Exhibitions

Left photo: Itaya Hazan, Vase, Humulus lupulus design, underglaze colors, white porcelain, 1929; Right: Iizuka Rokansai, Flower basket, “ANKO (angler fish)”, 1957, Photo: Mori Yoshiyuki

All images: courtesy of Kyodo News PR Wire, National Crafts Museum

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