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Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House Review

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Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House

  • Address: Gojo-zaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
  • Phone: 075/561-3585

Fodor's Review:

Kanjiro Kawai, one of Japan's most prolific and renowned potters, designed and lived in this rural Japanese-inspired house. He was one of the leaders of the Mingei (folk art) movement, which sought to revive interest in traditional folk arts during the 1920s and '30s, when all things Western were in vogue in Japan. On display are some of the artist's personal memorabilia and, of more interest, some of his exquisite and asymmetrical vases, bowls, and pots showcasing the various techniques he experimented with. He was a master of glazes; his trademark color was red copper, though he also used brilliant cobalt blue and brown iron glazes. An admirer of Western, Chinese, and Korean ceramics techniques, Kawai won many awards, including the Grand Prix at the 1937 Paris World Exposition. From Kyoto Station take Bus 206 or 208 to the Sanjusangen-do-mae stop and then head east to the end of Shichijo-dori. The house is a five-minute walk north along Higashi-oji-dori.

  • Cost: ¥900
  • Open: Tues.-Sun. 10-5; when Mon. is national holiday, museum stays open Mon. and closes following day. Closed Aug. 10-20 and Dec. 24-Jan. 7
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