The art gallery on the 8th floor of Hanshin Umeda Main Store (阪神梅田本店) in Osaka, which presents approachable paintings, objects, and art goods in an event-style format, will hold "Manabu Yamagami Pottery Exhibition - Focusing on Sake Vessels" (「山上學 陶展 酒器を中心に」) from Wednesday, November 11 to Tuesday, November 17, 2026. The exhibition closes at 5:00 PM on the final day.
About Manabu Yamagami and the Exhibition
Manabu Yamagami (山上 學) of Jinjin Kiln (螢窯) began his path with the experience of picking up earthenware at a development site before the 1970 Japan World Exposition (日本万国博覧会) opened. He went on to pass through Seto, Kyoto, and a school in the lineage of the Vienna Workshop (ウィーン工房) before moving to Okinawa.
Yamagami describes his creative life as "itself a quest for a 'view of the cosmos' that goes beyond the mastery of technique" (「技術の習得を超えた“宇宙観”への探求そのもの」). By absorbing and sublimating diverse cultures, he has opened up a unique realm known as "rihin" (離品), which lies beyond shuhari (守破離).
The exhibition centers on sake vessels that reflect Okinawa's nature, spiritual world, and culture. Shisa (シーサー), ceramic plaques, and everyday tableware are also displayed and sold together at the venue. Visitors can experience the unique worldview reached at the end of the artist's exploration in person.
Featured Works
- "Sea Surface Mirror" Handled Plate (「海面鏡手付皿」): approx. 16 cm long diameter × 6 cm high, ¥38,500
- "Gilded Coral Bunagaya Karakara" Tokkuri Flask for Aged Awamori (泡盛古酒用「金彩珊瑚ブナガヤカラカラ徳利」): approx. 13 cm wide × 8 cm deep × 9 cm high, ¥33,000
- "Sazae Chibuguwaa" Sake Cup for Aged Awamori (泡盛古酒用ぐい呑「サザエチブグワァー」): approx. 3.5 to 7 cm in diameter × 2.5 to 3 cm high, ¥11,000 each
- "Gilded Coral Bunagaya" Incense Burner (「金彩珊瑚ブナガヤ香炉」): approx. 8.5 cm in diameter × 14.5 cm high, ¥55,000
- "Gilded Sea Sound Karakara" Beer Cup (「金彩海音カラカラビールカップ」): approx. 8 cm in diameter × 15 cm high, ¥33,000 each
Profile: Manabu Yamagami (山上 學)
- 1959: Born in Osaka. Studied ceramics and printmaking in Kyoto.
- 1989: Built Jinjin Kiln (螢窯, Jinjinyō) in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture.
- 2004: Moved to Ogimi Village in the northern part of Okinawa's main island.
Currently, Yamagami is active in crafts and art mainly through exhibitions in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallery.tati/
Event Details
- Event: Manabu Yamagami Pottery Exhibition - Focusing on Sake Vessels (山上學 陶展 酒器を中心に)
- Venue: Art Gallery, 8th floor, Hanshin Umeda Main Store (阪神梅田本店 8階 アートギャラリー)
- Dates: Wednesday, November 11 to Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (the final day ends at 5:00 PM)
