‘Yakishime’ Exhibit Opens at ILOMOCA

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) launched the Japan Foundation’s traveling exhibition, “Yakishime – Earth Metamorphosis,” on August 16, 2024.

The exhibition showcases “yakishime,” an ancient Japanese ceramics technique known for its unique unglazed, high-fired wares, celebrated for their raw and natural aesthetics.

Ben Suzuki, Director of the Japan Foundation, Manila, shared insights on the ancient art form during the vernissage.

“Derived from the Japanese words ‘yaki’ (to fire) and ‘shime’ (to harden), ‘yakishime’ refers to the high-temperature firing process that produces unglazed stoneware, where the ceramics rely on their natural beauty rather than artificial adornments,” Suzuki explained.

The technique has been perfected over centuries, originating in Japan’s prehistoric eras and continuing to evolve within its traditional culture. Suzuki also emphasized the exhibit’s role in fostering cultural understanding between Japan and the Philippines.

“I am very happy to have this exhibition in Iloilo, as it provides an opportunity to unite the Iloilo and Japanese communities,” he added.

Curator Mieko Iwai echoed Suzuki’s sentiments, noting that the exhibition delves into the unique evolution of “yakishime” ceramics within Japanese traditional culture.

According to Iwai, the showcase traces the history of “yakishime” from its inception to contemporary applications, highlighting its roles in tea wares, food-serving utensils, and its rise as objets d’art.

“For visitors unfamiliar with these understated yet profoundly tasteful ceramics, the exhibition provides a chance to engage with a distinctive Japanese aesthetic and sensibility,” Iwai said.

The exhibit features a diverse range of “yakishime” ceramics, from utilitarian earthenware of the Heian period to tea wares from the Momoyama period (1574–1600). Contemporary forms of “yakishime” as objets d’art, created by noted Japanese ceramicists such as Takashi Ikura, Kyoko Tokumaru, and Makiko Hattori, are also on display.

ILOMOCA Museum Director Maricel Montero expressed enthusiasm for hosting such a prestigious exhibit.

“We are honored to host this exhibition and bring a piece of Japan’s rich cultural heritage to Iloilo. It makes us realize the global similarities in our appreciation for the beauty and artistry of everyday objects,” Montero said.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Victorino Ino Mapa Manalo also attended the vernissage and reflected on the exhibit’s significance.

“This exhibit offers us a glimpse into the fascinating world of traditional ‘yakishime’ ceramics, showcasing the rich history and evolution of this beautiful art form,” Manalo said.

The traveling exhibit, which has toured various countries since 2016, made its initial Philippine showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC. Following its run in Manila, the exhibit concluded its Philippine tour in Iloilo.

Supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the exhibition is open to the public with free admission until September 4.

For more information on the exhibition, visit the Japan Foundation, Manila’s official website and social media platforms.