The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, to introduce and promote
Japanese culture to the people of Nepal, are going to hold an exhibition "YAKISHIME:
Earth Metamorphosis" at the Embassy Hall, Panipokhari, Kathmandu. The exhibition
will remain open for free to the general public from May 11 (Sat.) to 30 (Thu.) from 9.30
a.m. to 4.30 p.m. everyday.
Ceramics, whether pottery, porcelain, or earthenware, are produced throughout
the world, wherever clay, the essential raw material, and wood for firing can be found.
The Japanese tradition of using of yakishime, unglazed, high-fired wares, for serving
food and drink may, however, be unique.
The exhibition introduces yakishime ceramics, which developed in distinctive
directions in Japan, as a part of Japanese traditional culture. It explores the history of
yakishime, from its origins to the present, its use in tea wares and utensils for serving
food, and its emergence as objets d’art. It will offer visitors from other cultures, to whom
these simple but profoundly tasteful ceramics may be unfamiliar, an excellent opportunity
to experience the sensibility and aesthetic unique to Japan.
Both Nepali and Japanese peoples embrace traditional culture and crafts as well
as contemporary art. It is hoped that the visitors will, through experiencing this generous
array of yakishime wares, find the depth and diversity of Japanese culture and gain
insight into its creativity.