Accession Number
1963/2.75

Title
Storage Jar with Lid

Artist(s)
Ōta Kumao

Object Creation Date
mid 20th century

Medium & Support
stoneware with mottled brown glaze

Dimensions
17 in x 13 1/2 in (43.18 cm x 34.3 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Label copy
In 1924, Hamada Shôji moved to the town of Mashiko, a folk pottery center about two hours from central Tokyo. After studying in Kyoto and England, he was intent on creating ceramics in this renowned rural kiln where over a period of hundreds of years, pots and other wares had been produced for everyday use. At first the young, educated potter was not welcomed by the community, but gradually he became part of it, and Mashiko’s rough clay, dark brown glaze made from local stones, and simple drawing style became essential elements of his work.
The Mingei movement expanded both nationally and internationally during the postwar period as the reputations of its major artists grew. Hamada and fellow-potter Kawai, the textile artist Serizawa Keisuke (1895–1984), and the printmaker Munakata Shikô (1903–1975) exhibited their work widely and won prizes at international art competitions. As a result, traditional folk pottery by anonymous potters began to be valued and collected. The movement also inspired a younger generation of studio potters, including Tamura Kôichi and Ôta Kumao, who created strikingly modern works using the traditional forms of folk pottery as a point of departure.
(Turning Point exhibition, Spring 2010)

Subject matter
Jar with lid.

Physical Description
Large jar with lid and mottled brown and black glaze. An incised wavy line circles the upper portion of the body.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
jar

Additional Object Classification(s)
Decorative Arts

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
jars
lids (covers)