100th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Finland "Power of Ceramics: Modernism in Finnish Applied Arts"

Saturday, July 13, 2019～Monday, October 14, 2019

The dawn of Finnish ceramics was marked by the pioneering efforts in ceramics production by artists working in the Iris Workshops such as Alfred William Finch (1854-1930), who were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement thrived at the end of the nineteenth century. Finch established the foundation of the education on arts and crafts at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, which paved the way for the rapid advancement of pottery production in Finland from the latter half of the 1930s onward. The Art department of Arabia Porcelain Factory, which was established in 1932, provided a well-equipped environment which enabled the artists to fully engage in their creative activities. Known as one of the world’s leading “studio pottery” in an enormous porcelain factory in the suburbs of Helsinki, their production included many masterpieces, which were not only practical vessels but also works of art such as sculptures and ceramic plaques with pictorial expressions. For example, colorful ceramic plaques and formative artworks rich in narrativity and lyricism produced by Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988) and Rut Bryk (1916-1999) gained popularity particularly in the tumultuous age from the 1940s onward. A large number of artists from the Arabia Porcelain Factory, including Kaipiainen and Bryk, submitted their works to the Milan triennial of 1951 and many of them were awarded prizes. This triggered Finnish ceramics to be recognized throughout the world.
This exhibition introduces the rich artistry of the world of Finnish ceramics, illustrated by the 137 objects selected from the collection of Mr. Kyösti Kakkonen, a world-renowned collector of Finnish craft works.
At the same time, we are also showing a special exhibition “Marimekko Spirit — Finland Meets Japan”. Marimekko, a renowned textile brand of Finland, was founded by Armi Ratia (1912-1979) in 1951. The brilliant, colorful textiles with vigorous, unique patterns, which appeared in the years of postwar hardships, were fresh, innovative designs unfamiliar to the people of Finland at that time. This exhibition displays new patterns created by three leading Marimekko designers under the theme “JAPAN” and introduces their production processes. Visitors will also find a tea room designed specially for the Osaka venue. Designed and supervised by Marimekko, visitors can experience the bodily sensation of a creative space, which is a fruit of the encounter of Finland and Japan and the mutual acceptance and exchange of their contemporary cultures.

Information

Examples of Objects on Display