Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio

Tags for: Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio
  • Special Exhibition
Saturday, August 19, 2023–Sunday, March 10, 2024
Location:  010 Focus Gallery
Julia and Larry Pollock Focus Gallery

About The Exhibition

Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio showcases works in porcelain and stoneware made by the Kyoto-based studio of Seifū Yohei from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. While the studio is known for the role of Seifū Yohei III (1851–1914) as an Imperial Household Artist (Teishitsu gigei’in), it has only recently received sustained scholarly attention. The exhibition is the first in North America to comprehensively examine the studio’s output from the time of its founder, Seifū Yohei I (1801–1861), through that of its fourth-generation head, Seifū Yohei IV (1871–1951). This fulsome presentation of their creations is made possible through a gift of more than 100 individual and sets of works from the James and Christine Heusinger Collection, an assemblage strategically acquired over the past three decades with the goal of representing the full range of forms and styles produced under the Seifū Yohei name. The show and its catalogue also use the collection as a lens through which to analyze aspects of the modernization of Japan and to consider the history of international trade. 

Just over 400 years ago, ceramists in Japan first successfully fired porcelain, and from the mid-1600s, Japan took advantage of a gap in the global porcelain trade left by the temporary exit of China from the market, following the demise of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and the maritime prohibitions of the early Qing dynasty (1644–1911), to secure orders for its porcelains in Europe. From the late 1800s, participation of Japanese ceramists in international expositions also became a forum for constructing national identity. While it has garnered less attention in exhibitions and publications outside Japan, there was a robust domestic market for Japanese porcelains as well, including vessels for use in sencha, or Chinese-style tea, gatherings. Colors of Kyoto features works by members of the Seifū family that reflect both the ceramics culture of Kyoto, an ancient city and former capital of Japan, as well as the artists’ engagement with Chinese forms and techniques as an alternative way to bring Japanese porcelain into the modern era at a time when Western cultures were leaving a major mark in Japan. 

The exhibition is made possible by a generous gift from James and Christine Heusinger in 2022 of a comprehensive collection of works by the Seifū studio. The Heusingers put their collection together over the past three decades, taking care to select artworks in their original boxes when possible so that the names of glazes and  the identities of each of the ceramists have been preserved.

CMA Store

Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio
by Maezaki Shinya and Sinéad Vilbar, Janice Hammond and Edward Hemmelgarn Curator of Japanese Art This latest volume in the Cleveland Masterwork Series focuses on an important studio of late nineteenth- to mid-twentieth century Japanese ceramic artists. The first comprehensive look in English at the Seifū Yohei ceramic studio in Kyoto, from the Meiji period (1868–1912) to the mid-Shōwa period (1926–1989), this book takes the James and Christine Heusinger Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art as its core material. The principal essay provides a biography of Seifū Yohei III, the star of the studio and the first ceramist to be named an Imperial Household Artist, as well as an overview of the studio that contextualizes it in the world of literati painting, sencha (steeped green tea), and international trade. A second essay offers a brief history of porcelain production in Kyoto, along with a discussion of objects produced by the Seifū studio for sencha. The catalogue of one hundred works examines the wide variety of forms, decorative techniques, and glazes that made the studio’s works unique. 216 pagesAugust 2023
Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio
Japanese Decorative Designs Keepsake Boxed Notecards
Timeless examples of Japanese artistry—the decorative designs featured herein reflect a historically deep appreciation of beauty in art and nature. Although little is known of their creators or the actual dates of their creation, such works have influenced tastes in everything from textiles to paper goods, furniture to fine art. Europe and North America have long been enamored with Japanese design and aesthetics, particularly since Japan opened its political and economic borders in 1868, providing the impetus for an unprecedented exchange of arts and culture with the West. The four textile designs selected for this notecard set reside in the collections of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which include more than 13,000 textiles and costumes from traditions around the world. • 16 assorted blank notecards (4 each of 4 designs) with envelopes• Paper-wrapped decorative box with hinged closure• Printed in full color on recycled paper with soy based inks• High-quality 250 gsm card stock• Soft white envelopes• A2 card size• Pomegranate’s notecard sets feature exclusive selections of art from museums and artists around the worldPublished with the Fine Arts Museums of San FranciscoBox size: 5 x 6.25 x 1.25 in.Card size: 4.25 x 5.5 in.
Japanese Decorative Designs Keepsake Boxed Notecards
Birds & Flowers: Japanese Hanging Scroll Puzzle
1000 piece puzzle Peafowl, ducks, flowers and rocks, 1800–1880Nagasaki school, JapanPaintings of birds and flowers enjoy a long tradition in Japanese art. This hanging scroll reflects the realism of the Nagasaki school, an Edo period school or style of painting. The Edo period (1603–1868) was a time of great significance in Japan’s history because at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the country was unified under the Tokugawa family after years of civil unrest. The following years were ones of unprecedented peace and prosperity, prompting an increase in artistic, cultural, and social development. Puzzle size: 20 x 29 in
Birds & Flowers: Japanese Hanging Scroll Puzzle
Art: The Definitive Visual History
by Andrew Graham Dixon Discover more than 2,500 of the world’s most influential paintings and sculptures in this beautifully- illustrated guide to the history of art. Introducing Art: The Definitive Visual Guide – an invaluable reference book that spans 30,000 years of global art history, from cave paintings to contemporary art, and showcases the works of over 700 artists in striking detail to truly bring the artwork to life. Each artistic movement, from the Italian Renaissance to Impressionism to Graffiti Art, is explained in clear detail with descriptions of their origins and influences, characteristic styles and techniques, and typical subjects.A visual timeline of key works gives an overview of the scope of each major movement, while graphics, overlays, and detailed close-ups, show readers how to "read" composition and subject matter, and explain the specifics of the techniques and methods the artist used to create their masterpieces.Explore the pages of this awe-inspiring art history book to discover: - Over 2500 of the world’s most influential paintings and sculptures- Features stunning artwork from more than 700 artists- ‘Closer Look’ sections offer a detailed analysis of key paintings The 6 core chapters are structured chronologically, starting with prehistoric art and ancient civilizations, right the way up until modern-day artwork, so there’s something for everyone to explore, learn and love. From Romanticism in the 19th Century to Realism in the 20th Century, whether it’s Pop Art or Expressionism, Minimalism and so much more – the beautiful full-color illustrations and striking imagery, make this art book the perfect gift for the art and history lover in your life, as well as an ideal coffee table book.Doubling up as a riveting reference book for anyone with an interest in art history who wants to gain a broader knowledge of the subject, as well as the perfect classroom companion in schools, libraries and more. Created in collaboration with Bridgeman, the biggest art library in the world, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a must-have for your bookshelf. 612 pages, Hardcover Published 2018
Art: The Definitive Visual History

Sponsors

Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio is funded in part with a generous award from the Japan Foundation 2023 Exhibitions Abroad Support Program.

All exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art are underwritten by the CMA Fund for Exhibitions. Principal annual support is provided by Michael Frank and the late Pat Snyder, the John and Jeanette Walton Exhibition Fund, and the late Roy L. Williams. Generous annual support is provided by an anonymous supporter, the late Dick Blum and Harriet Warm, Gary and Katy Brahler, Cynthia and Dale Brogan, Dr. Ben and Julia Brouhard, Brenda and Marshall Brown, Richard and Dian Disantis, the Jeffery Wallace Ellis Trust in memory of Lloyd H. Ellis Jr., Leigh and Andy Fabens, the Frankino-Dodero Family Fund for Exhibitions Endowment, Janice Hammond and Edward Hemmelgarn, Carl T. Jagatich, Cathy Lincoln, Eva and Rudolf Linnebach, William S. and Margaret F. Lipscomb, Bill and Joyce Litzler, Lu Anne and the late Carl Morrison, Jeffrey Mostade and Eric Nilson and Varun Shetty, Tim O’Brien and Breck Platner, William J. and Katherine T. O’Neill, Betty T. and David M. Schneider, the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation, Margaret and Loyal Wilson, and the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.