About Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum

About Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum

On June 1, 2013, the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum launched a new phase in its history under its new Japanese name.
On June 1, 1978, the Aichi-ken Toji Shiryokan (lit. “Aichi Prefectural Archive of Ceramics”) was established as one of the projects marking the centennial of the founding of Aichi Prefecture, which holds a distinguished position in the history of Japanese ceramics. Seto City was chosen for the Toji Shiryokan’s location, as it is one of the most prominent production centers of ceramics in Japan. Since its inception, the Museum has held many exhibitions and events that present the charm of ceramics through works produced in Japan, other parts of Asia, and the rest of the world. It is home to 8,436 works (as of March 31, 2023), including three National Important Cultural Properties, making this museum of ceramics with one of the largest collections in Japan. To mark the occasion of its 35th anniversary on June 1, 2013, the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum implemented significant changes to its exhibits and changed its Japanese name to make it a more attractive museum for all.

Mission

The purpose of the Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and to study ceramics that are of high artistic and historical value, and artifacts and documents associated with related sectors, in order to advance the culture and industry of ceramics.

Basic Philosophy

From primitive times to the present, the lives of people and industries around the world have been supported by ceramics – a product made by firing the natural material “earth.” As well as being an indispensable part of everyday life, ceramics have also been a source of aesthetic and creative inspiration, capturing people with their designs, shapes, type of clay material, and glazes of different colors and lusters. Many works of ceramic art have been created and are still being produced.
As an institution dedicated to providing opportunities to many people to enjoy and create ceramics, and to learn about these invaluable historical and cultural properties and magnificent works of art, the Museum is committed to enhancing the public’s intelligence and sharpening their senses, thereby realizing an enriched local community characterized by creativity and diversity.