Abe Anjin Exhibition–Oazuke–

Kashima Arts (Kyobashi, Tokyo) is proud to announce the opening of “Abe Anjin Exhibition –Oazuke–,” a solo exhibition by the Bizen ware virtuoso Abe Anjin, from March 20 (Fri, national holiday) to March 29 (Sun), 2026. This will be Abe’s fourth solo exhibition at Kashima Arts. The exhibition will feature 48 works, with a focus on new pieces, including “Oazuke Sake Carafe,” which will be on display for the first time at Kashima Arts.

Abe Anjin, a Bizen ware virtuoso who is celebrating his 88th birthday, has explored ancient Momoyama Bizen style and researched his own unique pottery making and firing techniques, establishing a whole new style of expression known as “Saishiki (Color glaze) Bizen,” which combines the vivid colors of red, blue, yellow, and green with Bizen ware. His works are housed in museums both in Japan and abroad, including the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; and the National Palace Museum, Taipei. He has also held numerous solo exhibitions abroad, earning him international acclaim.

This exhibition will feature Abe Anjin’s “Oazuke Sake Carafe,” a utensil used to facilitate the host at tea ceremonies by fostering conversation among guests, on display for the very first time at Kashima Arts. Also on display will be Bizen and Inbe ware, including water jars, flower vases, tea bowls, flat vases, sake carafe, and other sake cups, all based on deep insight into ancient Momoyama Bizen ware. Last but not least, the exhibition will present “Saishiki (Color glaze) Bizen,” with their unique carved patterns and vibrant colors, as well as painted sake cups depicting a horse, in honor of this year’s zodiac sign. The collection includes a total of 48 pieces, including oil paintings, which are the origin of Abe’s artistic career. Through these works, which combine the simple, rustic beauty reminiscent of ancient Momoyama Bizen with unique colors, visitors are invited to enjoy the world of Abe Anjin’s ouvre, where deep figurative expression is rooted in the essence of classics.

Born in Osaka in 1938, Abe Anjin studied under Miyamoto Saburo at the Contemporary Art Laboratory from the age of 21. In his 30s, he entered the field of ceramics and built a kiln in Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. In 1996, he held his first international solo exhibition in New York, “Abe Anjin Exhibition”. Following this, he expanded his field of activity overseas, and held his solo exhibition, “ANJIN ABE” in France (Paris, 2002) and exhibited at the “Arts of Pacific Asia Show” (San Francisco, 2008) in the US. Last year, he held a solo exhibition at the Li Manor Museum (Taiwan). In addition, Abe was involved in the planning the pottery department during the establishment Shimane IT Design College. Actively giving academic lectures both in and out of Japan, Abe’ s vast contributions go beyond creative pursuits, as he continues to foster talents and spread the art of ceramics to future generations.

Member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC), recipient of the “Oribe Awards” from the Museum of Furuta Oribe

Artist’s Website: http://www.abe-anjin.com/

[ Japan ]
Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art, Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial 100th Anniversary Park (Tea room utensils: tea caddy, flower vase, water jar, tea bowl, etc.), Shimane Prefecture Yokota Geijutsu no Mori, Kasama Nichido Museum of Art, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (2 pieces in the collection), Saijo Matsudaira Shrine Homotsukan, Itohara Memorial Museum, Miurart Village Art Museum, Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum, Kano Museum of Art, Nakajima Art Museum, The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, Midorigaoka Art Museum, The Museum of Furuta Oribe

[ Overseas ]
Musée Ariana (Switzerland, 2 pieces in the collection), Mint Museum of Art (USA), Metropolitan Museum of Art (USA, 3 pieces in the collection), Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (Latvia), Asian Art Museum (USA, 2 pieces in the collection), Ateliers d’ de France (France), New Mexico Museum of Art (USA), National College of Art & Design (Ireland), National Palace Museum (Taiwan, 3 pieces in the collection), Fitzwilliam Museum (UK), Yingge Ceramics Museum (Taiwan)

*In order of acquisition year

Featuring details and images of all lots, please take this opportunity to contact

Kashima Arts for a free catalog.

To request for a catalog email: intl@kashima-arts.co.jp

*Please note that quantities are limited and the offer will end once stock runs out.

Exhibition Title: Abe Anjin Exhibition–Oazuke–
Exhibition Website: https://www.kashima-arts.co.jp/exhibitions/abeanjin_oazuke/
Dates: March 20 (Fri, national holiday) to March 29 (Sun), 2026 *10am to 6pm, open daily during the exhibition
Exhibiting Works: 48 *All works for sale
Venue: Kashima Arts (3-3-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) 2F
Admission: Free