Toucher le feu, femmes céramistes au Japon: the exhibition at the Musée Guimet

From June 1 to October 3, 2022, the Musée national des Arts Asiatiques (or Musée Guimet for friends) offers us to discover the exceptional work of female ceramicists in Japan with the “Toucher le feu, femmes céramistes au Japon” – or “Touching fire, female ceramicists in Japan” – exhibition.

When art is open to all, talents are revealed and new pieces can be accomplished… The ceramic art used to be reserved for men for a very long time in Japan. In 1946, for the first time, Kyoto arts university opens to women.

The borders of schools and know-hows open to Japanese women since the mid-20^th century, allowing them to become artists, ceramicists, craftswomen. From June 1 to October 3, 2022, the musée Guimet invites us to discover the works of these pioneers through the “Toucher le Feu. Femmes céramistes au Japon” – or “Touching fire, female ceramicists in Japan” – exhibition.

Today, female Japanese artists are major in the ceramic world, standing out with their master technics, their inventiveness and originality. From the 1940’s to nowadays, teaching and working techniques evolved: the course of the exhibition allows us to discover the traditional and modern practices of this Japanese art.

The choice of shapes, materials, patterns, colors, textures: everything is related to uses and trends. A skilled eye can differentiate each piece displayed in no time. For the others, novices, this exhibition is the perfect occasion to learn more about this art and issues it involves.

Ceramics does not only enable to create vases, pieces of pottery and bowls. Genuine sculptures can be made by the hands of these artists as talented as Ogawa Machiko who transforms each piece into a symbol illustrating memory, ruin and the passing of the time. Fujino Sachiko manages to convey her passion for fashion in her ceramic, creating fabric draperies and volumes inspired by clothes made by major fashion designers.

Each artist has their own style, unique techniques and favorite themes. Each piece of the exhibition is unique and fascinating and allows us to discover the huge diversity of arts creating the world of ceramics.

Do not miss this original exhibition and run to enjoy the Musée Guimet’s permanent and temporary collections.