In the western art tradition, “art” is viewed as non-functional and the expression of the unique artistic genius of one individual. On the other hand, “folk art” refers to objects which are functional and created by anonymous artists as an expression of group ethos. In England and North America, the Arts and Crafts Movement which flourished from the 1880s through the 1920s called for a more positive assessment of handcrafted functional items. The philosophy of the Arts and Crafts Movement was given a Zen twist in Japan by Yanagi Sõetsu (1889-1961) who established the Mingei movement in 1926. This movement focused on preserving and improving the standards of traditional crafts and encouraged a younger generation to continue these crafts. Shown below are some examples of Mingei which were displayed at the Portland Art Museum.
Shown above is a 19th century Sado Island Sea Chest by an unknown artist.
Shown above is a late 19th century worker’s jacket by an unknown artist.
Shown above is a 19th century lacquered salt box by an unknown artist.
Shown above is a 19th century Ainu apron by an unknown artist.
Shown above is a late 19th or early 20th century snow hat by an unknown artist.
Shown above is a bucket with wisteria crest made by an unknown artist in the 1920s or 1930s.
Shown above is a 19th century bamboo flower basket by an unknown artist.
Shown above is Negoro ware box by an unknown artist. This was made in the 17th or 18th century.
Museums 101
Museums 101 is a series of photo tours of museum exhibits. More from this series:
Museums 101: Korean Art (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: "Cranes, Dragons and Teddy Bears" (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Sculptures of the Human Body (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Iranian Art (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Argylls (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Romanian Royal Artifacts (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Rodin at Maryhill (Photo Diary)