The Kondo Museum in Kyoto honors the Kondo family’s Kiyomizu ceramic legacy, blending traditional and modern design. Highlights include multi-generational artworks, serene architecture, and insights into Yuzo Kondo’s creative process.
Located near Kyoto's historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Kondo Museum stands as a testament to the rich legacy of the Kondo family's contributions to Kiyomizu ceramics. Originally established to honor Yuzo Kondo, a master of blue-and-white sometsuke porcelain, the museum has undergone a thoughtful refurbishment by Mamiya Shinichi Design Studio, carefully blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary design.
The museum's architecture pays homage to its cultural context. The entrance features one of Yuzo Kondo's grand ceramic plates, adorned with a Japanese apricot motif, setting the tone for the treasures within. The interior palette is dominated by dark gray hues and subdued lighting, highlighting materials such as stone, bamboo, plaster, and traditional Japanese paper. This design approach creates a serene atmosphere that enhances the display of ceramic artworks.
A highlight of the museum is a seven-meter-wide artwork by Takahiro Kondo, Yuzo's grandson, known for his innovative silver mist overglaze technique. This piece exemplifies the family's ongoing evolution of ceramic artistry, bridging traditional methods with modern expressions.
Visitors can explore four exhibition spaces showcasing a range of works from the Kondo family, including large vessels, plates, and tea bowls. Behind the gallery, a reproduction of Yuzo's studio offers insight into his creative process, complete with his cherished tools.
The Kondo Museum not only preserves the artistic heritage of the Kondo family but also serves as a cultural landmark that reflects Kyoto's enduring dedication to traditional crafts. Its harmonious blend of architecture and art provides an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the evolution of Kiyomizu ceramics across generations.
Located near Kyoto's historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Kondo Museum stands as a testament to the rich legacy of the Kondo family's contributions to Kiyomizu ceramics. Originally established to honor Yuzo Kondo, a master of blue-and-white sometsuke porcelain, the museum has undergone a thoughtful refurbishment by Mamiya Shinichi Design Studio, carefully blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary design.
The museum's architecture pays homage to its cultural context. The entrance features one of Yuzo Kondo's grand ceramic plates, adorned with a Japanese apricot motif, setting the tone for the treasures within. The interior palette is dominated by dark gray hues and subdued lighting, highlighting materials such as stone, bamboo, plaster, and traditional Japanese paper. This design approach creates a serene atmosphere that enhances the display of ceramic artworks.
A highlight of the museum is a seven-meter-wide artwork by Takahiro Kondo, Yuzo's grandson, known for his innovative silver mist overglaze technique. This piece exemplifies the family's ongoing evolution of ceramic artistry, bridging traditional methods with modern expressions.
Visitors can explore four exhibition spaces showcasing a range of works from the Kondo family, including large vessels, plates, and tea bowls. Behind the gallery, a reproduction of Yuzo's studio offers insight into his creative process, complete with his cherished tools.
The Kondo Museum not only preserves the artistic heritage of the Kondo family but also serves as a cultural landmark that reflects Kyoto's enduring dedication to traditional crafts. Its harmonious blend of architecture and art provides an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the evolution of Kiyomizu ceramics across generations.
