The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka is nestled in Nakanoshima, surrounded by the lush greenery and clear waters of Nakanoshima Park, a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city of Osaka.
Founded in November 1982, the Museum was established by Osaka City, commemorating the donation of the world-renowned Ataka Collection by the twenty-one companies of the Sumitomo Group.
In addition to the core Ataka Collection that comprises mainly Chinese and Korean ceramics, the Museum collection also includes Japanese ceramics as well as works generously donated to the museum, such as the Korean ceramics of the Rhee Byung-chang Collection and works by Hamada Shoji, boasting one of the finest collections of East Asian ceramics in the world in terms of both quality and quantity. Among the collection, two works are registered as National Treasures and thirteen works as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The collection has been enriched by further donations of works associated with East Asian ceramics, including Persian ceramics and Chinese snuff bottles.
In the galleries, we produce systematic displays of approximately three hundred notable works of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics based on our original concept and forms of presentation. Besides the permanent exhibition, we organize temporary exhibitions and special exhibitions once or twice a year, covering specialized themes with attractive content, combining high academic standards and artistic quality.
In order to ensure visitors a rich and peaceful atmosphere to truly enjoy the exhibition, the galleries are equipped with various useful devices including the natural light display cases, displaying platform with a turntable, and seismic isolation platforms.
Making the best use of the superb collection of East Asian ceramics, the Museum continues to provide aesthetic experiences to the public, which will contribute to the enrichment of artistic sensitivity as well as the enhancement of self-cultivation.