Kanazawa museum in full bloom with floral craft exhibition
The gray bowl with delicate China pink floral patterns by Imaizumi Imaemon XIII is one of the highlights of the Living with Flowers exhibition at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa. (Eriko Nami)
KANAZAWA—The National Crafts Museum here is showcasing a wide range of works themed around plants that bloom from spring to summer in an exhibition titled Living with Flowers.
It is the first in a series of projects commemorating the fifth anniversary of the museum's relocation from Tokyo.
The flower theme was selected for its popularity in craft design and the museum's extensive collection of vases and flower containers.
The show features 98 works, primarily craft pieces from the museum's collection, along with two paintings by Maurice Denis on loan from the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo.
A gray porcelain bowl by Imaizumi Imaemon XIII appears on the exhibition poster. Delicate China pink flowers radiate from the center of the dish, evoking a sense of swaying in the wind.
The exhibition showcases masterpieces from several genres, including pottery, glass, lacquer, metalwork and kimono.
Highlights include pieces by living national treasures with ties to Kanazawa, such as lacquer artist Gonroku Matsuda.
The show also includes two floral-themed oil paintings by Denis: 'Gorse' and 'Table with Flowers'. These works enrich the lineup by adding depth and variety to the exploration of floral expression.
'We invite visitors to enjoy a virtual flower-viewing experience at the museum,' said curator Tomoe Nakagawa. 'On their way home, I hope they'll notice the flowers along the streets and see how craft designs are inspired by everyday life.'
The museum relocated in 2020 from Tokyo to Kanazawa, a historic city known for its craft tradition.
However, the past five years have not been easy for museum staff.
'Looking back, there have been challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Noto Peninsula earthquake,' said Director Masahiro Karasawa. 'We've built close ties with the local community, but some still find the museum not easily accessible.'
To engage a wider audience, the museum is providing a free zone and newcomer-friendly programs.
Alongside the craft show, a mini-exhibition titled Living with Books is being held, featuring the book collection of Hisui Sugiura, a graphic designer active in the early to mid-20th century.
The two exhibitions will run until June 22.
Admission is 300 yen ($2.10) for adults and 150 yen for university students. Admission is free for high school students and younger, individuals under 18, and those aged 65 and over.
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