Elemental: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics - Guided tour at Maak

Date
Wednesday 18 November 2026

Time
4.30pm

Venue
Maak London
40 Earlham St
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9LH

Booking Details
Booking essential - Free

Please help us to keep this event free and open to all! The activities of The Japan Society are made possible thanks to the support of its members. If you are planning to attend this event and are not a member (as an individual or through your employer), please consider becoming a member or making a donation if you can - the recommended donation is £5. Thank you!

The Japan Society is delighted to invite members and friends to a tour of the exhibition and concurrent online auction, Elemental | Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, at Maak London, exploring the rich diversity of Japanese ceramic practice from the Mingei movement to the present day.

Bringing together over 100 works, from functional vessels to ambitious sculptural forms, the exhibition examines the enduring dialogue between tradition and innovation that continues to shape Japanese ceramics. A significant group of works by Hamada Shoji and other pioneering Mingei artists is presented alongside ceramics by contemporary makers working across a wide range of traditions, techniques and artistic approaches.

Highlights include large-scale works by Kishi Eiko, Mihara Ken and Koie Ryoji, as well as pieces that demonstrate the remarkable breadth and continuing evolution of Japanese ceramic art. Together, the selection offers a compelling overview of one of Japan's most dynamic and influential artistic traditions.

This tour will be guided by Fleur Manning, Maak's Japanese Ceramics Specialist, who will discuss key works in the exhibition and explore their historical and artistic context.

Fleur Manning joined Maak in 2021 after nearly five years at Sotheby's London. She holds an MA in Fine and Decorative Arts from Sotheby's Institute of Art, where she specialised in the history of ceramics. Fleur leads Maak's contemporary Japanese ceramics auctions and has played a central role in developing the firm's specialist programme in this field.

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email us at: events@japansociety.org.uk.

Images: Left: Kishi Eiko (Japanese, b.1948) Two large Sculptures; Centre: Hamada Shoji (Japanese, 1894-1978) Large stoneware Jar; Right: Kaneta Masanao (Japanese, b.1953) Chawan - Stoneware Tea Bowl

In association with: Maak London

Booking Info

• Attendees Information
  
  • Attendees aged 14–15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the event. A separate ticket must be booked for the accompanying parent/guardian.
  • Attendees aged 16-17 may attend independently but must provide parental/guardian emergency contact details as part of the booking process.
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