“Ko-Kutani Ware of the Mr. and Mrs. Fukui Collection”

Wednesday, August 11, 2021～Sunday, February 6, 2022

The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka

One of the early types of porcelain which had been produced in Japan in the first half of the seventeenth century, characterized by the innovative designs in vivid colors of green, yellow, purple, red and blue, is known as “Ko-Kutani” (‘old Kutani’) or “Ko-Kutani-style” ware. Adopting the production techniques of Chinese porcelain such as wucai (‘five-color’) ware, Ko-Kutani ware reflected the demand and aesthetic sensibilities of the people at that time, although it had been produced in a very short period of time. It is commonly thought that Ko-Kutani wares were used in special occasions or gatherings such as banquets.
This exhibition introduces twenty-eight works selected from the collection of Ko-Kutani ware which has been gathered over twenty years by Mr. and Mrs. Fukui living in Kansai. The works on display are mainly small works including dishes, incense burners and sake cups but there are also some large plates that adorned banquets at that time. Demonstrating the rich variety of forms and the originality of the use of colors for the decorations, they continue to enthrall the viewers even today. Please enjoy the outstanding creativity and the exuberant energy of the variegated Ko-Kutani expressions.