Fri August 15, 2025 - Mon February 2, 2026

New Japanese Clay

at Asian Art Museum (see times)

Playful colors, otherworldly surfaces, adventurous and gravity-defying shapes -- the world of contemporary Japanese ceramics is brimming with dynamic approaches to the medium of clay. From rugged works that mimic chunks of earth or stone to delicate forms imitating folds of paper or billowing textiles, the unconventional techniques in New Japanese Clay will expand your idea of what is possible in this time-honored art form.

The exhibition also introduces visitors to the makers behind the works on view. "This new generation of potters from Japan are building on the legacy of the mingei (folk art) movement while charting their own boldly experimental courses," says Chief Curator and exhibition curator Dr. Robert Mintz, who notes that many of the featured artists also maintain social media accounts offering behind-the-scenes looks at their studio process.

"The artists in New Japanese Clay are challenging the conventions of functional ceramics and pivoting toward a purely sculptural experience," Dr. Mintz notes. "Their creations are meant to intrigue and delight; the vessel form is just a point of departure for spectacular experimentation. Through a wide range of innovative materials and methods, these artists are reimagining ceramics for the 21st century."

Playful colors, otherworldly surfaces, adventurous and gravity-defying shapes -- the world of contemporary Japanese ceramics is brimming with dynamic approaches to the medium of clay. From rugged works that mimic chunks of earth or stone to delicate forms imitating folds of paper or billowing textiles, the unconventional techniques in New Japanese Clay will expand your idea of what is possible in this time-honored art form.

The exhibition also introduces visitors to the makers behind the works on view. "This new generation of potters from Japan are building on the legacy of the mingei (folk art) movement while charting their own boldly experimental courses," says Chief Curator and exhibition curator Dr. Robert Mintz, who notes that many of the featured artists also maintain social media accounts offering behind-the-scenes looks at their studio process.

"The artists in New Japanese Clay are challenging the conventions of functional ceramics and pivoting toward a purely sculptural experience," Dr. Mintz notes. "Their creations are meant to intrigue and delight; the vessel form is just a point of departure for spectacular experimentation. Through a wide range of innovative materials and methods, these artists are reimagining ceramics for the 21st century."

read more
show less

EDIT OWNER

Owned by

{{eventOwner.email_address || eventOwner.displayName}}

New Owner

EDIT EDIT

Links:

Event Details

Category:

Art, Museums

Date/Times:

show more

show less

Asian Art Museum 152 Upcoming Events

200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

TODAY

27

SATURDAY

28

SUNDAY

29

MONDAY

1

The Best Events

Every Week in Your Inbox

From Our Sponsors

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEP 05 Frank Walker at Temple Nightclub at Temple SF

JUL 26 The Psychedelic Furs at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose

AUG 08 Grafix at Temple Nightclub at Temple SF

JUL 26 Jake Shore at Temple Nightclub at Temple SF

JUL 26 Day Shift Party at Temple SF

JUN 26 Banding Together to End Domestic Violence 2025 at The Chapel

JUL 02 Takeover Wednesdays Launch Party – July 2nd | Free Event - Goody Bags for First 50 Attendees at Cigar Bar & Grill

JUN 26 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens

JUN 27 Riff Rumble! at Go With The Good