Overview of the Collection
The museum houses approximately 4,000 works, mainly Korean ceramics from the Goryeo and Joseon periods and Chinese ceramics. The collection includes two National Treasures and 13 National Important Cultural Properties.
The collection began with the Ataka Collection and has been expanded through donations from other collectors and supporters, as well as acquisitions made by the museum.
The Formation and Growth of the Ataka Collection
The Ataka Collection was originally assembled by Eiichi Ataka, chairman of Ataka Sangyo. His collecting initially focused on Japanese paintings.
After World War II, Ataka Sangyo decided to collect artworks as part of its corporate activities and purchased numerous Japanese paintings. Eiichi Ataka subsequently became deeply interested in East Asian ceramics and spent more than 20 years building the collection, investing a total of more than 7 billion yen.
The Collapse of Ataka Sangyo and Transfer of the Collection
Ataka Sangyo encountered serious financial difficulties in 1975 and was eventually absorbed by ITOCHU Corporation in 1977.
Because of the cultural importance of the ceramics collection, relevant organizations, including Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, called for its preservation. The collection was subsequently donated to Osaka City, with Sumitomo Bank playing a central role in arranging the transfer.
Twenty-one companies in the Sumitomo Group contributed a total of 15.2 billion yen to Osaka City’s cultural promotion fund. These funds became the financial foundation for constructing the museum.
The Museum Building and Facilities
The museum was constructed inside Nakanoshima Park and opened in 1982.
Its facilities include a special exhibition gallery, themed exhibition gallery, Korean Ceramics Room, Chinese Ceramics Room, Japanese Ceramics Room, Lee Byung-chang Collection exhibition room, video library, lobby, lounge, café, and museum shop.
Highlights of the Collection
The museum’s two National Treasures include the Oil-Spot Tenmoku Tea Bowl from the Southern Song dynasty, made at the Jian kilns, and a Flecked Blue Flower Vase from the Yuan dynasty, made at the Longquan kilns.
The collection of National Important Cultural Properties includes numerous outstanding ceramics, including a Nara Sansai three-colored glazed jar from the Nara period.
In addition to Chinese and Korean ceramics, the museum also exhibits selected examples of Vietnamese and Japanese ceramics.
Exceptional Quality and Exhibition Policy
The museum’s Korean ceramic collection is internationally recognized for both its breadth and diversity of styles. It covers the historical development of Korean ceramics and includes works classified according to different periods and techniques.
The Chinese ceramic collection is also notable for its exceptional quality, with particularly strong holdings from the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties.
However, the museum does not display all of its holdings at once. Exhibitions are carefully curated, and only selected works from the collection are presented to visitors at any given time.
Reflections by Iku Taro Ito
Iku Taro Ito, the museum’s first director, was closely involved in the formation and management of the Ataka Collection. He recorded numerous observations about how the collection was regarded by the public and the art world.
In his book The Hound of Beauty: Further Stories of the Ataka Collection, Ito describes episodes concerning the collection’s reputation and how Eiichi Ataka understood and valued the works he had assembled.
Further Donations and the Growth of the Collection
In 1999, the museum received an important donation from Lee Byung-chang, a Korean-Japanese businessman. This further strengthened its holdings of outstanding Korean ceramics.
Through such donations, the museum has continued to make valuable works accessible to the public while contributing to academic research and educational activities concerning East Asian ceramics.
Architecture
The main museum building was completed in 1982. It is a three-story structure above ground with one basement level, constructed using a combination of reinforced concrete and steel-reinforced concrete.
An additional building was completed in 1998, expanding the museum’s facilities. The museum’s architecture was also recognized with the BCS Award in 1984.
Visiting the Museum
Located in central Osaka, the Osaka Museum of Oriental Ceramics is conveniently accessible by public transportation and is well suited to a sightseeing itinerary in the city.
The museum presents special and themed exhibitions throughout the year, offering opportunities to explore the history, techniques, and beauty of East Asian ceramics from different perspectives.
The museum shop also sells books and merchandise related to works in the collection, providing visitors with an opportunity to take home a reminder of their visit.
Discover the Beauty of East Asian Ceramics
With its exceptional collection, historic background, and carefully curated exhibitions, the Osaka Museum of Oriental Ceramics provides an in-depth introduction to the artistic traditions of China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of East Asia.
For travelers interested in art, history, ceramics, and traditional craftsmanship, a visit offers a chance to appreciate some of the finest examples of East Asian ceramic art in a cultural setting at the heart of Osaka.