Matsuzakaya Nagoya is hosting the Sakaida Kakiemon XV Exhibition, showcasing works from the Kakiemon kiln, which has carried on its name and protected its tradition for more than 370 years. The kiln's name is renowned worldwide and holds a distinguished place in history.
Sakaida Kakiemon XV, who succeeded to the name in 2014, pursues the contemporary Kakiemon style through Nigoshide and painting that makes use of blank space. His patterns, born from his attention to nature, evoke the breath of life in plants, flowers, and nuts, with rich poetry in a serene beauty.
The exhibition brings together vases, jars, and other works, including pieces with the persimmon (kaki) motif he has presented in recent years, which can be called a hallmark of the kiln. The bold and colorful painting conveys the current head's strong will to take on new challenges.
Exhibition Details
- Period: November 11 (Wednesday) to November 17 (Tuesday), 2026
- Venue: Matsuzakaya Nagoya, Main Building 8F, ART HUB NAGOYA (First and Second Galleries)
Featured Motifs
Kaki-mon (Persimmon Motif)
Nigoshide Persimmon Motif Jar (濁手 柿文 壺) — Diameter 30.7 cm × Height 42.4 cm
This pattern was designed from a Yotsumizogaki persimmon growing on the grounds of the Imperial Palace, and it was first painted when Sakaida Kakiemon XV marked the 10th anniversary of his succession. Its distinguishing feature is the deep red used for the fruit, which was not used in conventional Nigoshide. It expresses a new Kakiemon style while remaining rooted in tradition. The persimmon has long been regarded as a symbol that invites longevity and joy, and it is an auspicious motif linked to 嘉来 (joy comes) and 嘉気 (an auspicious sign).
Olive Motif
Nigoshide Olive Motif Vase (濁手 オリーブ文 花瓶) — Diameter 32.7 cm × Height 42.2 cm
This pattern was designed from olives grown on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture. Its distinguishing feature is the black and deep red used for the fruit, colors that were rarely used in conventional Nigoshide. The olive is regarded as a symbol of "peace," "wisdom and abundance," and "longevity and prosperity." In the roughly 380-year history of Kakiemon, the 15th generation was the first to turn the olive into a pattern.
Grape Motif
Nigoshide Grape Motif Bottle (濁手 葡萄文 瓶) — Diameter 27.0 cm × Height 28.4 cm
This pattern was designed based on research at a winery in Yamanashi Prefecture, with black wine grapes as the motif. The composition and color scheme differ from work to work, so even the same pattern can give a completely different impression. Because grapevines extend their vines and bear fruit, grapes are regarded around the world as an auspicious plant, a symbol of success and prosperity and of hopes for a bountiful harvest, and have been treasured by people since ancient times.
About Sakaida Kakiemon XV
- 1968: Born in Arita, Saga Prefecture.
- 1991: Withdrew from the Department of Painting at Tama Art University.
- 1994: Began studying under Sakaida Kakiemon XIV.
- 2010: Selected for the first time at the 45th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (第45回西部伝統工芸展) and the 57th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (第57回日本伝統工芸展).
- 2012: Became a member of the Arita Ceramic Association (有田陶芸協会).
- 2013: Became chairman of the Kakiemon Porcelain Technique Preservation Society (柿右衛門製陶技術保存会), a national Important Intangible Cultural Property holder group, and became a regular member of the Japan Kogeikai (日本工芸会).
- 2014: Succeeded to the name Sakaida Kakiemon XV and became a member of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Art Association (佐賀県陶芸協会).
- 2019: Became a member of the Japan Ceramic Art Association (日本陶芸美術協会).
- Currently: Secretary General of the Western Branch of the Japan Kogeikai, Vice President of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Art Association, Vice President of the Arita Ceramic Association, and Managing Director of the Japan Ceramic Art Association.
Artist Appearance and Gallery Talk
- Artist in attendance: Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2026. The schedule may change, and the artist may be absent at certain times.
- Gallery talk: Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM
On Friday, November 13, the Main Building and North Building will be closed to the general public for a special invitation event. Only invited guests may enter.
