Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection

Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection

Today, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined, but all show a mastery of the craft.

Drawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included.

Artists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan, to emerging, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2,000 years, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.

Featured Image: Katsumata Chieko (Japanese, born 1950), Untitled, 2009, stoneware with orange and green glazes, 13 ¾ x 15 x 15 inches. Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection. Photo: Ben Bocko.

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Dayton Art Institute

Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection is taking place at Dayton Art Institute, which is located at 456 Belmonte Park North in Dayton. Dayton Art Institute - Committed to enriching the community by creating meaningful experiences with art that are available to all. Visit us often to enjoy our diverse collections, world class exhibits and more.