Savoring the Bliss: A Cup and Saucer Exhibition at Yokoyama Museum

Exploring the Blissful Cup and Saucer Exhibition at Yokoyama Museum

The Yokoyama Museum proudly presents the special exhibition titled 'Savoring the Bliss: A Cup and Saucer Exhibition', set to take place from April 29 to August 31, 2025. This captivating display dives deep into the rich history and the exquisite craftsmanship associated with cups and saucers, particularly emphasizing the unique journey these items have taken from their origins in Japan to their influence in Western cultures.

The museum showcases how beverages like coffee, tea, and chocolate—once considered exotic—integrated into Western societies, leading to the creation of delightful serving ware. The evolution from simple matcha bowls to the finely designed cup and saucer demonstrates a fascinating cultural exchange, where functionality met aesthetic refinement. These beautiful items not only served their practical purpose but also transformed social gatherings, making coffee houses and tea gardens vibrant centers of social interaction.

Featured Works and Highlights

Variety and Form of Cups and Saucers

The exhibition presents a diverse array of cup and saucer types, each telling its own story:
1. Tea Bowl: Kunifumi Yojihei - Dew Drop Chrysanthemum Design Tea Bowl and Saucer from the late Edo to early Meiji era.
2. Coffee Cup: Kinzan Denshichi - Upper Paint Floral Design Coffee Cup and Saucer from early to mid-Meiji period.
3. Tea Cup: Old Noritake - Gold Leaf Rose Design Tea Cup and Saucer from around 1891-1901.
4. Chocolate Cup: Nagoya Seito - Upper Paint Gold Leaf Rose Design Chocolate Cup and Saucer from late Meiji to Taisho era.
5. Demitasse Cup: Old Noritake - Portrait Gold Design Demitasse Set from around 1891-1901.
6. Mustache Cup: Kato Shunko - Upper Paint Gold Leaf Flower and Bird Design Mustache Cup and Saucer from mid-Meiji era.
7. Toy Tea Set: Old Noritake - Toy Tea Set from the Taisho era (1917-1921).

These unique pieces not only highlight the artistry involved but also provide insights into the cultural and historical contexts of their creation.

Techniques and Designs by Region and Manufacturer

The exhibition features a collection representative of various production techniques and styles across Japan, including:

- Old Noritake: Gold Landscape Design Tea Set from 1921-1941.
- Seto: Second Generation Kato Shigeju - Blue Paint Flower and Vine Pattern Coffee Set from the mid-Meiji period.
- Mino: Fifth Generation Nishiura Enji - Under Glaze Color Bamboo Design Chocolate Set from the late Meiji period.
- Kyoto: Seventh Generation Kinkozan Sohei - Upper Paint Gold Butterfly Design Coffee Set from the late Meiji to Taisho era.
- Kutani: Watanabe Heibei - Upper Paint Gold Lady Wandering Design Chocolate Set from the mid to late Meiji period.
- Arita: Fukagawa Seiji - Blue Paint with Gold Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Design Tea Set from the late Meiji period.
- Tokyo: Higuchi Kizan - Upper Paint Gold Country Design Coffee Set from the mid-Meiji to Taisho era.
- Nagoya: Shimamura - Upper Paint Gorgeous Flower Design Tea Set from the late Meiji to Taisho era.

This exhibition serves not only as a showcase of artistic brilliance but also as a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese ceramic history and its influence on global tastes.

Exhibition Details

- Exhibition Name: Savoring the Bliss: A Cup and Saucer Exhibition
- Exhibition Dates: April 29, 2025 – August 31, 2025
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Every Monday (open if a national holiday falls on Monday, closed the following weekday), Summer (August 12 – 18)
- Admission Fee: General: 1,000 yen (800 yen for groups of 20+), Students and Seniors (65 and over): 800 yen (600 yen), Middle School Students: 600 yen (400 yen), Free for Elementary School Children and those with disabilities (700 yen for disability card holders)

Related Events

The exhibition includes various related events, including:

- A lecture titled “Coffee Culture in Nagoya and How to Brew Delicious Coffee”, featuring esteemed coffee expert Kazuyoshi Matsushita, Chairperson of Matsukata Coffee Co., on May 11, 2025.
- Gallery Talks conducted by curators on specific dates, allowing visitors to engage directly with knowledgeable staff who will share insights on the exhibitions.

About Yokoyama Museum

Located in Nagoya, the Yokoyama Museum specializes in ceramic art, particularly the return of export pottery from the Meiji and Taisho eras. The collection highlights exquisite pieces crafted in areas surrounding Nagoya, showcasing the intricate detail and bold creativity of Japan’s ceramic heritage.

For more information about the museum, visit the Yokoyama Museum Website.

Address: 1-1-21 Aoi, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
TEL: 052-931-0006