Exhibitions and Special Features
The museum displays Mino ware from ancient times to the present day, along with tools and machinery used in ceramic production from the Meiji period (1868–1912) onward. Special and temporary exhibitions are held several times a year, offering visitors new discoveries with each visit.
The museum also organizes hands-on pottery-making and ceramic painting classes, allowing visitors to experience the craft themselves. In addition to its focus on ceramics, the museum conducts research into local history and folklore and presents the findings through its exhibitions.
Nationally Registered Tangible Folk Cultural Properties
Among the museum’s most significant collections are 2,983 tools and 850 ceramic products used in pottery production from the Meiji period through the 1960s. In 2016, these materials were registered as National Tangible Folk Cultural Properties under the name “Tools and Products Used in Mino Ceramic Production.”
This designation recognizes the historical and cultural value of the collection, making the museum an important institution for preserving and sharing valuable records of traditional Japanese ceramic production with visitors from Japan and abroad.
Location and Museum Layout
The Mizunami City Ceramic Museum is located within Mizunami Citizens’ Park, surrounded by a natural setting where visitors can explore the history of ceramics in a peaceful environment.
The facility includes a permanent exhibition gallery and the Kozo Kato Exhibition Room, each offering a different perspective on Mino ware and its artistic heritage.
Permanent Exhibition Gallery
The permanent exhibition introduces the history of Mino ware and the techniques used to produce it. The development of this ceramic tradition is explained chronologically, helping visitors understand how its styles and production methods evolved over the centuries.
Kozo Kato Exhibition Room
The Kozo Kato Exhibition Room presents works and themes related to Mino ware, with a particular focus on the creations and artistic process of Kozo Kato, a distinguished ceramic artist. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of his work and the techniques involved in creating his ceramics.
Discover the World of Mino Ware
The Mizunami City Ceramic Museum offers an opportunity not only to deepen your knowledge of Mino ware but also to experience the appeal of traditional ceramics firsthand. It is an ideal destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture or eager to try pottery-making. When visiting Mizunami City in Gifu Prefecture, consider stopping by to discover the craftsmanship and heritage of Mino ware.