Jun Kaneko is an internationally renowned sculptor who now works from his studio in Omaha. This Japanese-born artist is interviewed as he creates his trademark monolithic ceramic “dangos” (the Japanese word for “dumpling”), which can weigh as much as 1000 pounds. Kaneko discusses his artistic philosophy and creative process as we explore his collection. To view all the videos in the series, visit www.netnebraska.org
Japanese Kutani Sake Cup Art
Kutani-ware has been produced in Japan for over 300 years within remote villages of the ‘nine valleys’ (Kutani means nine valleys) region of Kaga province in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture (please see map below). Noted for it’s fine brush work and delicate porcelain, Kutani kilns have produced some of Japan’s finest ceramic art through generations of refined production. Though the actual origins of Kutani-ware are uncertain, we know that the kilns of the nine valleys were long supported through the patronage of the powerful Maeda clan who were the hereditary rulers of the region.