The Whimsical World of Banko Ware Teapots

   

The Whimsical World of Banko Ware Teapots

In the late 19th century, makers of a Japanese ceramic ware called Banko-yaki began producing an unusual export commodity that was as different from their domestic product as one could imagine. While the earlier wares featured typical ceramic forms made from brick-red, iron-rich clays that were devoid of most glazing and ornamentation, the new wares often employed multi-colored, marbleized clays and were highly decorative with colorful overglaze enamels. They emphasized sculptural shapes and molded features in high relief that depicted flowers, birds, sea creatures, land animals and human figures with much charm and humor. In this exhibition, more than fifty Banko export ware teapots appear at The Morikami Museum through the courtesy of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which holds the world's largest collection of these expressive, whimsical works.

The exhibition, funded in part by the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, is in conjunction with The Culture of Tea: Shared Experiences, Individual Expressions. Additional Funding is from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.