Museum Exhibition

The Infinite Artistry of Japanese Ceramics

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

January 19, 2026 – August 8, 2027

This exhibition explores Japan’s extensive and rich history of ceramic art

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Exhibition artworks

Representative work

Japan

Large Storage Jar (Ōtsubo)

late 15th century

Stoneware with natural ash glaze (Shigaraki ware)

H. 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm); Diam. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm)

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Featured works

Japan

Head of a Clay Tomb Sculpture (Haniwa)

5th–early 6th century

Earthenware with painted, incised, and applied decoration

H. 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 4 in. (10.2 cm)

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Japan

Figure of a Standing Beauty

ca. 1670–90

Porcelain with polychrome enamels over transparent glaze (Hizen ware, Kakiemon type)

H. 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm); W. 5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm); D. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)

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Eiraku Hozen

Incense Container (Kōgō) in the Shape of a Clamshell, with Cranes (exterior) and Tortoise Motifs (interior)

first half 19th century

Porcelain with cobalt blue under (interior) and red and gold over (exterior) transparent glaze (Kyoto ware, Eiraku type)

H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)

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China

Tea bowl

13th century

Stoneware with celadon glaze (Longquan ware), gold lacquer repairs

H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); Diam. 5 in. (12.7 cm)

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Japan

Urn or Jar

8th century

Stoneware with natural ash glaze (Sue ware)

H. 9 in. (22.9 cm); Diam. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); Diam. of rim 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm); Diam. of foot 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)

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Japan

Sake vessel (Heishi)

late 16th century

Wood with layers of black and red lacquer (Negoro ware)

H. 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm)

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30 documented works in this exhibition

View all 30 documented works