Stories Behind the Names of Tea Utensils / One Year in Remembrance | Kaoru Ueda's Superrealism— Jam, Ice-cream, Raw Egg

・Stories Behind the Names of Tea Utensils This exhibition focuses on the stories behind masterpieces of tea ceremony utensils that have been cherishingly preserved and passed down through the ages. Tea masters, with deep respect and affection for each of these one-of-a-kind utensils, bestowed upon them special names known as “銘 mei.” The term “銘 mei” refers to the alternative names given to exceptional tea utensils. These names, inscribed on the utensils themselves or on their storage boxes, serve to convey the intellectual playfulness and aesthetic sensibilities of those who loved tea utensils to people living today. Here we would explore the theme of “Why was this particular inscription chosen for this piece?” and introduces the stories hidden within these tea utensils. Works traditionally considered ideal for hospitality that evokes a sense of coolness during the hot summer or early Autumn months are also displayed. We hope you would enjoy viewing the exhibition as if you had been invited to a tea ceremony unique to this season. ・One Year in Remembrance | Kaoru Ueda's Superrealism— Jam, Ice-cream, Raw Egg This two-part summer exhibition series presents two contrasting modes of artistic expression. Centered on the theme “From Abstraction to Realism,” the series introduces the richness and diversity of contemporary art. Part I invites visitors to a memorial exhibition marking the first anniversary of the passing of Kaoru Ueda, a painter who represents contemporary Japan. The “Super-realism” pursued by Ueda is a hyper-realistic style that projects photographs onto canvas to vividly capture fleeting moments—such as a raw egg falling or ice cream scooped with a spoon—that the naked eye cannot fully perceive. The vibrant colors that seem to overflow from the canvas evoke a sense of wonder and elation in viewers, making them feel that the works are “more beautiful than the real thing.” This exhibition features over 60 works, ranging from his early pieces and masterpieces to his later years, when he broke away from realism to pioneer new artistic horizons. Additionally, we are pleased to present, for the first time, the heartwarming quilts created by his wife, Yoko, who supported him throughout his life. We hope you would enjoy the Annex—for which Hiroshi Sugimoto created the basic design—a space where masterful Artistic＋Technical Capabilities and the journey of life resonate together. Please come visit the tranquil forest of Shirokanedai to experience a “一期一会 once-in-a-lifetime moment” that echoes the spirit of the tea ceremony in the main building. [Related Events] 1. Lecture “Beyond Raw Eggs— What Kaoru Ueda Really Wanted to Paint” Date: September 6, 14:00–15:30 Speaker: Yoko Ueda, quilt artist and Ueda Kaoru’s wife Venue: New Building, 1F Multipurpose Room Fee: Adults ¥1300, High School Students and Over ¥900 Capacity: 70 (Advance registration required.) 2. Lecture & Gallery Talk “Life with Kaoru Ueda and Quilts Date: September 12, 14:00–15:30 Speaker: Yoko Ueda, quilt artist and Kaoru Ueda’s wife Venue: New Building, 1F Multipurpose Room Fee: Adults ¥1300, High School Students and Over ¥900 Capacity: 30 (Advance registration required.) *For event details and how to make a reservation, please check the official website.