Standing at the center of a long tradition of Japanese painted ceramic decoration is Wada Morihiro (1944-2008), a revered artist of intricate surface patterning on exceptional creative functional forms. For Asia Week New York 2023, Joan B Mirviss LTD is thrilled to present an exhibition of this master's oeuvre alongside the many Japanese artists who paint on clay, employing a wide range of techniques. These varied and dynamic works by Wada's colleagues and successors will stand in conversation with those by Wada and provide a rich context for painting on Japanese ceramics. PAINTED CLAY: Wada Morihiro and Modern Ceramics of Japan is accompanied by a fully illustrated printed catalogue with topical essays.
Wada Morihiro was one of the most popular clay artists of his generation whose work was in great demand throughout his lifetime. He paired his powerful sculptural vessels with intricately painted, abstracted patterns of grasses, cedar, and other captivating nature-based designs. Utilizing a multiplicity of techniques, including slip decoration, inlay, wax-resist, carving, underglaze, and blown-on glaze, Wada quickly emerged as a bold, fresh talent within the long tradition of Japanese painted ceramics. For several decades, until his premature death in 2008, Wada was the most respected and sought-after Japanese artist working with polychrome decorated surfaces.
