As autumn deepens, two special exhibitions are taking place in Yamashiro Onsen and Yamanaka Onsen in Kaga Onsen Kyo (加賀温泉郷). They offer a chance to enjoy the beauty of Kutani Ware and Suzu Ware.
Autumn 2026 Special Exhibition Marking 200 Years Since the Yoshidaya Kiln Moved to Yamashiro: "Kutani Ware Yoshidaya Kiln Exhibition"
The exhibition "Kutani Ware Yoshidaya Kiln Exhibition" (九谷焼吉田屋窯展) is being held at the Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum (九谷焼窯跡展示館) as its autumn special exhibition for 2026.
This year marks 200 years since the kiln built by Yoshidaya Denemon (吉田屋伝右衛門), a wealthy merchant of Daishoji, with the aim of reviving Ko-Kutani (古九谷), was relocated to Yamashiro Onsen. Although he was a merchant, Denemon was permitted to bear a surname and wear swords (myoji taito), and he had acquired the rich cultural refinement of the samurai, including painting, calligraphy and waka poetry. He sought to revive Kutani Ware not for profit but as a way of passing on culture.
Work: Yoshidaya Kiln, Gourd-Shaped Bottle with Landscape Design (山水図瓢形瓶), collection of the Kaga Kutani Ceramics Cooperative Association (加賀九谷陶磁器協同組合)
Work: Yoshidaya Kiln, Deep Bowl with Scattered Shikishi Paper Design (色紙散し深鉢), private collection
Through the exhibition, visitors can learn about the spirit of Denemon, who was committed to making products that would be worthy of being passed on to future generations.
Images courtesy of the Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum.
- Dates: October 7 (Wed), 2026 to January 18 (Mon), 2027
- Venue: Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum (九谷焼窯跡展示館)
- Inquiries: Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum, TEL 0761-77-0020
Shibayuki Exhibition "Atawari" (芝雪 展 -あたわり-) at Kaga Iryokuen
A solo exhibition by ceramic artist Shibayuki (芝雪), who is based in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, will be held at Kaga Iryokuen (加賀依緑園). About 100 pieces are planned for display, including flower vessels, sake vessels, tableware and tea ceremony utensils.
Image courtesy of Kaga Iryokuen
Image courtesy of Kaga Iryokuen
Artist's Comment
Influenced by the climate, folk customs and literature of Noto and by Suzu Ware, an ancient pottery, I create work in which the landscapes of Suzu long ago, scenes from my childhood, and the changes in nature brought by the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rains have built up as layers within me.
A word I often heard after the earthquake is "atawari." It is used mainly in the Hokuriku region and means fate, destiny, or something given by heaven. Everything that happens in life is atawari, and it is something given by heaven and not only in a bad sense. I sensed the character of the people of Noto in this. For me, the clay of Suzu, the fire, and the encounters that came about because of the earthquake are all atawari.
My ideal is yakishime vessels and flower vases that quietly tell the user a story of climate, memory and materials, and works with a modest presence that one notices has been there in treasured daily life. I create everyday vessels and works themed on the literature of Yasunari Kawabata, who once stayed in the Kagetsu wing (花月の棟). I hope you will take a look. (Shibayuki)
- Dates: October 21 (Wed) to November 17 (Tue), 2026
- Venue: Kaga Iryokuen (加賀依緑園)
- Inquiries: Kaga Iryokuen, TEL 0761-71-2683
