Japan has had a thriving ceramic culture for over 15,000 years, often focused on utilitarian (or practical) objects. In 1948, the avant-garde ceramic group Sodeisha (“Crawling through Mud Association”) challenged the tradition of functional pottery. Instead, its members advocated for the creation of sculptural ceramic objects. They preferred form over function.

The Sodeisha artists were not well known outside the country until the 1980s. Nonetheless, their vision of creative explorations using clay determined the future. Today, Japan boasts one of the most robust contemporary ceramic scenes in the world.

This exhibition presents Japanese pottery and porcelain created by three generations of master ceramic artists. Made with both ancient and modern materials and methods, their works are exceptionally diverse. They share the outstanding craftsmanship and sophisticated design characteristic of Japanese contemporary ceramics.

All works in the exhibition come from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz.