2020 is a special year for pottery in Mino, the Ceramic Valley of Japan. There is the grand International Ceramics Festival and competition, where three cities in the historic Mino Province - now a part of Gifu Prefecture - join forces to present the ceramic culture and industry in the region. Many events will take place here. Of interest next month is the Momoyama pottery exhibition at The Tajimi City Minoyaki Museum.  The Azuchi–Momoyama period is the final phase of the Sengoku or Warring States period in Japan and It spans the years from c. 1573 to 1600. It was a time of constant war, but also of new heights in the world of pottery. The samurai had taken Zen and the tea ceremony to heart, and fine tea bowls were highly valued and admired. Bowls produced in the Mino region belong to the finest in this tradition. We have covered the development of Mino ware during this period extensively on this site.

This special exhibition of Momoyama Mino ware opens on February 14 (Fri) and lasts until May 17 (Sun). This is an opportunity to see some of the most brilliant pottery ever created in Japan. The museum also offer opportunities to drink from tea bowls made by the masters in Mino, as well as English speaking guides.

This exhibition is a real treat for the art lover! You will find a variety of art in the style of Komura Settai, many of them his own works, some by others and some contemporary. We spent hours in the exhibition halls. Recommended!