Born in Kyushu in 1929, Inoue Manji is a celebrated contemporary Japanese ceramic artist. He represents the Arita tradition of porcelain ceramics. Inoue was designated a Living National Treasure in 1995 for his work in white porcelain (hakuji). His work is famous for it's perfect emphasis on form. When decorated, his work displays subtle underglaze engraving that quietly plays with forms through simple fluting.
Hakuji porcelain reveals all and hides nothing: This characteristic is well matched for Inoue’s perfectionist attitude when it comes to his ceramics. The flawless surfaces of his white porcelain leaves little room for error. Any blemish, flaw, or imperfection is glaring. These principles echo Chinese Song dynasty porcelain and Longquan celadon type wares, where flawlessness in form and surface were sought after. Some of his work references early Chinese porcelains but the two vases in this exhibition are straightforward pieces of white porcelain that rely on their gracious forms for their impact.
Inoue’s forms are single-minded pursuit of perfection in form and finish. They sometimes feature “hidden” patterns of flora and fauna in the celadon surface. This elusive decoration can be achieved only through celadon and other translucent glazes. The vessel’s beholder becomes lost in the pure white celadon glaze, while a delicately carved complex pattern gradually reveals itself within a landscape of flawless splendor.
Inoue Manji Biography
1929 Born in Arita, Saga Prefecture
1968 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
1969 ~ 1976 Traveled to the U.S. four times to teach ceramics at Pennsylvania State University
1971 Started Inoue Manji Kiln
1977 - 2021 Solo exhibition at Wako
1979 Awarded as an outstanding ceramic artist
(Contemporary Master Potter)
1983-2011 Member of the juror for the Issuikai
1983 Traveled to the U.S. 20 times to teach ceramics at New Mexico State University, Department of Art
1986 Awarded the Saga Prefecture Art and Culture Contribution Award
1987 Awarded the Minister of Education Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, which was purchased by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs
1993 Awarded the Saga Prefectural Government Achievement Prize
1995 Solo exhibition in Germany for cultural exchange
(German Art Museum, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Recognized as the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Asset "White Porcelain"
Member of the jury of the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
1997 Solo exhibition in Hungary for cultural exchange
Awarded Medal with Purple Ribbon
1999 Solo exhibition in Monaco for cultural exchange
2000 Solo Exhibition in Portugal for cultural exchange
2002 West Japan Culture Award
2003 The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Member of the jury of the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
2007 Solo Exhibition in Poland for cultural exchange
2012 Solo Exhibition in Hong Kong and New York for cultural exchange
2017 Lecture at New Mexico State University
2018 Solo exhibition in Los Angeles
2019 Exhibited works at the Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Crafts, purchased by the Imperial Household Agency
2022-2023 Solo Exhibition at Seiko House Hall (former Wako Hall)
Currently, Living National Treasure, Japan Crafts Association, Honorary Citizen of Arita Town