Japan House São Pauloトピックス
Ceramics in Progress
A new exhibition explores the history of ceramic production in Japan through six traditional production centers, bringing together historical and contemporary works.
The history of japanese ceramics spanning thousands of years
Long before Japanese ceramics became renowned worldwide, the archipelago’s earliest inhabitants were shaping plates, vases, containers, and other utensils by hand and firing them in large open-air bonfires. Dating from the Jōmon period, approximately 14,000 BC to the 3rd century BC, these objects are considered among the world’s oldest ceramics. The techniques used to make them laid the foundations for Japan’s long ceramic tradition. Drawing on this history spanning thousands of years, the new exhibition ‘Ceramics in Progress’ is presented.
A true cultural heritage
Curated by JHSP Cultural Director Natasha Barzaghi Geenen and Cultural Supervisor Carolina De Angelis, the exhibition traces the evolution of ceramics through the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan: Bizen, Echizen, Seto, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Tokoname. These traditional ceramic production centers are collectively known as Rokkoyō. Designated as Japan Heritage by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2017, these centers have maintained ceramic production since the 12th century.
The exhibition journey
The exhibition opens with historical pieces from the Jōmon and Muromachi periods (c. 1336–1573), introducing ceramic forms and techniques alongside two types of kilns associated with the six regions: anagama, with a single firing chamber dug into a hillside, and noborigama, also built on slopes, with successive chambers arranged in tiers that allow larger quantities of pieces to be fired. Clay samples from the different production centers reveal their mineral characteristics, showing how the materials influence color, sheen, and texture. The exhibition also explores natural glazing, a process used in many of these centers that contributes to the distinctive character of Japanese ceramics.
For Natasha, “Ceramics are an important expression of Japanese culture, both for their long history and for the way they bring together knowledge, tradition, place, and ways of understanding our relationship with materials. Creating an exhibition on this subject at Japan House São Paulo therefore required extensive research and care. We also considered that the exhibition would attract both curious visitors and specialists, as Brazil has important ceramic production centers, many with strong ties to Japan. The exhibition seeks to offer Brazilian audiences a perspective on the distinctive qualities of these ancient kilns, whose traditions have endured over time while opening up new interpretations and connections.”
Functional objects are displayed alongside contemporary artworks to highlight the characteristics of each of the Six Ancient Kilns. Together, these pieces reveal techniques and aesthetic sensibilities passed down through generations, as well as the distinctive qualities of each region.
The varied effects of the firing process
One of the highlights is “Shizuku Zen/2000” (A Zen Drop 2000), a work weighing approximately 200 kilograms by Tokoname-born artist Masamichi Yoshikawa, whose practice expands the scale and potential uses of ceramic objects. Other featured artists include Taiga Mori (Bizen), Toyokazu Yoshida (Echizen), Tomoya Sakai (Seto), Yuji Ueda (Shigaraki), and Masahiko Ichino (Tamba). Created through the artists’ engagement with local clay and fire, these works reveal the distinctive properties of each region’s materials and the varied effects of the firing process.
Funtional pieces on display
Highlights among the functional pieces include a rice bowl featuring the traditional mugiwarade pattern by Yusuke Mizuno (Seto) and a water container with a yahazu, or arrow-shaped, rim by Naokata Ueda VI (Yame). Other pieces include a spiral bowl by Kazuya Ishida (Bizen), a round bowl with gray glaze and linear patterns by Kenji Kasatsuji (Echizen), a guinomi sake cup by Shusaku Ichino (Tamba), and a cylindrical container combining gosu glaze and black clay by Takumi Sugie (Tokoname). Research for the exhibition was carried out with essential support from the Association of the Six Ancient Kilns and local associations in each region. The exhibition design for ‘Ceramics in Progress’ is sponsored by TAIPAL Brasil.
JHSP Accessible program
To welcome a broader audience, the exhibition provides accessibility resources, including sign language interpretation, tactile materials, Braille, and tactile floor guidance throughout the institution. Exhibition texts will be available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Japanese via QR codes in the gallery.
Exhibition // Ceramics in Progress
#CerâmicaNaJHSP #CerâmicaEmCurso
Period: October 06, 2026, to May 30, 2027
Location: Japan House São Paulo, Second Floor– Av. Paulista, 52 – São Paulo/SP
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Free admission.
