Contemporary

Based in Osaka, contemporary artist Shingu Sayaka (b. 1979)’s serene studio is framed with a natural garden, with the bustling city just beyond. Read more here.

[NEW] Journals from Japan: read director Beatrice Chang's reflections on the recent solo exhibition of celebrated artist Miwa Ryukishō (formerly Miwa Ryosaku, and Kyusetsu) in Japan.

Read the full essay on the work of Yasuhara Yoshiaki (Yasuhara Kimei) in the context of the development of avant-garde ceramics in Japan, by curator Russell Kelty (Art Gallery of South Australia).

The art of floral arrangement in Japan has a modern and avant-garde history that is intertwined with development of modern ceramic visual arts. Both tea masters and flower arrangement (Ikebana) artists are the natural companions for ceramic artists in the course of their work. Click to read more about the noble and modern associations of ceramics and Ikebana.

Read more field notes from our director's travels through the ceramic capital of Japan: Kyoto.

Revisit a tea bowl by the contemporary ceramicist Ishiyama Tetsuya with us, with a platinum sheen and gold inside. "Dimple bowl" is a playful take on the often sombre and traditional Japanese tea ceremony.