FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Concurrent exhibitions at Joan B Mirviss LTD
Asia Week New York | March 16-24, 2023
PAINTED CLAY
Wada Morihiro and Modern Ceramics of Japan
Joan B Mirviss LTD, New YorkThe Colors of the Postwar Japanese Abstract Arts
Yamaguchi Takeo, Morita Shiryū, Dōmoto Inshō and others

WADA MORIHIRO (1944-2008)"Connected Flower-buds Pattern"
Slip-glazed stoneware, ca. 1989
22 7/8 x 8 3/4 x 7 7/8 in.

Shibunkaku, Kyoto and TokyoFor Asia Week New York 2023, Joan B Mirviss LTD and Gallery Shibunkaku will focus
on painting, in its varied forms, and its ingenious applications found in modern andcontemporary Japanese art. Whether working on curving vessels or flat surfaces,
Japanese masters gave new expression to the meaning of "painting" in the postwar
era. These concurrent and complementary exhibitions will feature a range of painted

YAMAGUCHI TAKEO (1902-83)
Ku
Oil on board, 1981
9 x 16 in.

ceramic forms presented by Joan B Mirviss LTD in Painted Clay: Wada Morihiro andModern Ceramics of Japan, and bold calligraphic and abstract two-dimensional
works presented by Shibunkaku in The Colors of the Postwar Japanese Abstract Arts.
Together, these exhibitions showcase inventive new methods developed in thetwentieth century, as Japanese artists employed a range of tools and techniques on
their chosen surfaces.
Though these many artists were painting with vastly different viewpoints, surprisingsimilarities and confluences emerge between them and across media. Shown
together this spring at Joan B Mirviss LTD in New York, works by modern andMORITA SHIRYŪ (1912-98)
Mau
Aluminum flake pigment and lacquer
on paper, ca. 1969
31 x 21 5/8 in.

contemporary Japanese master ceramists alongside Japanese modern and postwar
painters and calligraphers display these diverse and creative approaches to painting.
Standing at the center of a long tradition of Japanese painted ceramic decoration isWada Morihiro (1944-2008), one of the most popular clay artists of his generation
whose work was in great demand throughout his lifetime. He paired his powerfulsculptural vessels with intricately painted, abstracted patterns of grasses, cedar, andother captivating nature-based designs. Utilizing a multiplicity of techniques, including
slip decoration, inlay, wax-resist, carving, underglaze, and blown-on glaze, WadaKAWAI KANJIRŌ (1890-1966)
Three-color, splash-glazed vessel
Glazed stoneware, ca. 1968
9 1/2 x 7 5/8 x 6 in.

quickly emerged as a bold, fresh talent within the long tradition of Japanese painted
ceramics. Works that encompass the full scope of his career are complemented byhighlights from his teachers, his contemporaries, and successors. Whether by brush,ladle, sponge or even spray gun, it is evident that painting on clay is a vibrant field ofinnovation and creative expression within Japanese modern and contemporary
ceramic art. PAINTED CLAY: Wada Morihiro and Modern Ceramics of Japan is
accompanied by a fully illustrated printed catalogue.

KATŌ TŌKURŌ (1898-1985)
White Shino waterjar (mizusashi)
Glazed stoneware, ca. 1960
10 5/8 x 7 5/8 in.

To complement and contextualize these painted ceramic works, Shibunkaku is.

delighted to present a series of colorful artworks on paper, created by Japanese artists
from the postwar period. The concurrent exhibition features abstract paintings by two
important artists: Yamaguchi Takeo (1902-1983) and Dōmoto Inshō (1891-1975),
masters of the Yōga and Nihonga, respectively. They will also showcase the avantgarde calligraphy by two other great masters, Morita Shiryū (1912-1998) and InoueYūichi (1916-1985). Each artist is a pioneer in his own field. Shibunkaku hopes to show
the varieties in terms of colors and materials and practices in Japan's art scene during
the postwar period. As a special highlight, they will also display a treasured classicalwork by mid-Edo period Zen priest Hakuin Ekaku, who has long inspired many artistsDŌMOTO INSHŌ (1891-1975)
Abstraction
Color and gold on paper
10 7/8 x 8 2/3 in.

.

with his Zen ideology and aesthetics including Morita Shiryū. The presentation of thesepaintings in New York alongside the ceramic painted works in PAINTED CLAY offers aunique perspective on Japan's dynamic modern and contemporary art scene.
For more information and images, contact us at director@mirviss.com or 212-799-4021.

About Joan B. Mirviss LTD
With more than forty-five years of experience, Joan B. Mirviss is a pillar in the field ofJapanese art. As a dealer, scholar, curator, and advisor, she has been the driving force
championing the top Japanese clay artists, who she represents exclusively, and whoseworks she has placed in major museums around the globe. Widely published as a highly
respected expert, Mirviss has built many institutional and private collections of Japaneseart. JOAN B MIRVISS LTD exhibits modern and contemporary Japanese ceramics,
paintings, and ukiyo-e from its exclusive New York City location on Madison Avenue.
About Shibunkaku, Kyoto
Established in 1937 in Kyoto, Shibunkaku offers a unique sense of aesthetics andappreciation of great art that transcends borders. Their expertise is rooted in early modernand modern Japanese fine art with an emphasis on calligraphy and painting. They have
expanded into postwar and contemporary art, ranking among the leading galleries inJapanese art of the highest quality and enduring art historical value. Shibunkaku
encourages thorough dialogue across different periods and media through carefully curated
exhibitions and publications. They support academic research and their works are regularly
loaned to important national and international exhibitions.

RAKU KICHIZAEMON XV (b. 1949)
Sai; "Fortress", 2022
Yakinuki-type 'rock' white Raku teabowl
4 1/2 x 5 1/8 in.

WADA MORIHIRO (1944-2008)
Vessel in abstract grasses patterning
Slip-glazed stoneware, 1990
12 x 7 5/8 x 7 5/8 in.