#Japan #Gunze Museum #Ayabe #Japanese crafts #Ayabe City

Celebrating 30 Years of Gunze Museum

This year marks a significant milestone for the Gunze Museum, also known as "Tsudoi" (集蔵), located in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the museum will host a special ceramics exhibition from May 2 (Saturday) to May 6 (Wednesday), showcasing approximately 65 exquisite pieces from esteemed ceramic artists.

Among the featured artists are living national treasures and holders of important intangible cultural properties, including Mr. Iwao Shino, born in Ayabe City, and Mr. Akihiro Maeda from Tottori City. Others include prominent artisans such as Hiroshi Anjiki, represented in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Masahiro Maeda, who won the highest accolade at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.

Event Details

• - Exhibition Dates: May 2 (Saturday) - May 6 (Wednesday)
• - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• - Location: Gunze Museum "Tsudoi" (1 Zenzo, Aono Town, Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture)
• - Admission Fee: Free

Notable Artists Participating

• - Living National Treasures, Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (In Alphabetical Order):

- Iwao Shino (Ayabe City)
- Akihiro Maeda (Tottori City)

• - Winner of the Japan Craft Association President's Award:

- Masahiro Maeda (Kumihama Town)

• - Other Notable Artists (In Alphabetical Order):

- Hiroshi Anjiki (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
- Yasuhiro Abe (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
- Yuichi Ikai
- Yuji Ishibashi
- So Isezaki
- Masahiko Ichino
- Toshiya Kato
- Koji Kamada
- Masanobu Kaneda (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
- Ken Mihara
- Masahiro Miyao
- Kazu Yamada
- Tsutomu Yamato
- And more...

The Role of Gunze Museum as a Cultural Hub

Originally opened in 1996, the Gunze Museum reflects the architectural style of traditional silkworm barns from the Taisho era. Over the past three decades, the "Tsudoi" hall has become a vital cultural center, enabling community engagement. Gunze Corporation has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering cultural exchange in Ayabe City by hosting a variety of events, including art exhibitions and concerts across diverse genres.

The museum invites both locals and tourists to explore and appreciate the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage presented through this special exhibition, which embodies the history of the region while fostering a deeper connection between the past and the present.

Celebrate with us at the Gunze Museum as we honor the contributions of these remarkable artisans and the continued evolution of this beloved community space!

Contact Information

For further details about the exhibition or inquiries, please reach out to the supporting gallery, Rakushisha, located at 300-145 Yakushidani, Mikata Town, Ayabe City, with the contact number 0773-42-7747. Visit their website at Rakushisha.