The Portland Art Museum has an interesting collection of Japanese art.
Shown above is one of a pair of bamboo and rattan braziers by Shimabashi Chikufosai (1888-1949).
Shown above is one of a pair of bamboo and rattan braziers by Shimabashi Chikufosai (1888-1949).
According to the display:
“These handsome braziers are unusual in that they incorporate old painted and gilded arrows in the design—a clever and attractive way to recycle weapons no longer in use.”
Shown above is a 19th handwarmer.
Shown above is a bamboo flower basket by Morita Chikuami (1877-1947). The artist was a member of a family of artisans who specialized in working with bamboo.
According to the display:
“Chikuami was part of the generation that transformed bamboo weaving from craft into art. Although he never deviated from the tradition of making functional objects, his innovative technique and use of materials won recognition at national competitive exhibitions and among foreign collectors.”
Shown above is a piece entitled “Araumi (Rough Sea)” by Yonezaw Jirō (1956-). This piece is made from bamboo, cane, root, and wood.
Shown above is a 19th century brazier.
Shown above is a Sado Island sea chest from the late 19th or early 20th century.
According to the display:
“This heavily iron-reinforced wooden chest is an example of furniture made at the town of Ogi on Sado Island for use by ship captains. Intended for the secure transport of documents, the safe features a complex locking mechanism and a secret inner drawer. The pine tree crest on the front would have identified the owner.”
Shown above is a bowl by Takemura Yūri (1980-). The bowl was made in 2015.
Shown above is a rust black stripe-patterned jar by Katō Ryōtarō (1974-). The jar was made in 2015.
Shown above is a large Shigaraki jar by Tani Kyu (1977-). This was made in 2013.
Shown above is a Shigaraki vase by Ōtani Shirō (1936-). This is made from Shigaraki clay which is coarse and flecked with quartz particles.
Shown above is a Shigaraki jar by Ōtani Shirō (1936-).
Shown above is Shigaraki Echo by Katō Takahiko (1952-). This was made in 2015.
Shown above is a 19th century official tea storage jar. A specially refined clay and three different glazes were used for this jar.
According to the display:
“In 1632, the kilns in Nagano village in Shigaraki Valley were designated as producers of the “official” tea jars for government use. These jars served as containers for tea leaves harvested in nearby Uji for presentation to the Tokugawa shogun, the military dictator of Japan.”
Shown above is a 16th century Shigaraki jar.
Shown above is “Mental Image: Toward the Other Side” by Fukami Sueharu (1947-). This piece was made in 1986. Fukami Sueharu is considered Japan’s most famous living potter.
Shown above is “Tsuki no shimo (Moon Frost)” by Fukumoto Fuku (1973-). This piece was made in 2014.
According to the display:
“A leading participant in the second generation of female ceramists to change the landscape of Japanese contemporary clay, Fukumoto draws inspiration from the moon, sun, and stars.”
Shown above is a late 19th century vase with winter landscape and geometric designs by Baitei. Little is known about this ceramic artist who was active from about 1860 to 1900.
According to the display:
“The complexity of this somewhat crowded design was perfectly suited to the Victorian tasted of the European and American markets at the time.”
Shown above is “Loulan III” by Tokuda Yasokichi IV (1961-). This piece was made in 2010.