Platter with design of deer

Object Details

• Artist

  Funaki Kenji (1927-2015)

• Provenance

  From at least 1955 to 1991

  Saul and Elizabeth C. Baran, Alexandria, VA, acquired in Tokyo, from at least 1955 [1]

  From 1991

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, given by Saul and Elizabeth C. Baran in 1991

  Notes:

  [1] According to a signed statement from Saul and Elizabeth C. Baran in 1992: "The Japanese platter by Funaki Kenji was obtained by Saul and Elizabeth C. Baran during the three years, 1952-1955, while we and our two daughters resided in Tokyo.

  During those years Saul was a member of the Economic/Commercial Section of the American Embassy; Elizabeth was associated for a part of those years with the Consular Division of the Embassy. While in Japan we enjoyed travel to various places.

  We became acquainted with the pottery produced in various parts of the country. We attended exhibits by folk potters in Tokyo at major department stores.

  It is our recollection that the Funaki Kenji platter was purchased at one such exhibit, probably at the Mitsukoshi department store" (see Provenance Remark 1 in the object record). Also, see Curatorial Remark 1, Louise Cort, December 4, 1991: "The Barans acquired this piece and others when they were based in Tokyo between 1952 and 1955 and patronized the exhibitions held annually by Funaki father and son at the Folk Craft Movement's gallery and store, Takumi, and at Mitsukoshi Department Store."

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Previous custodian or owner

  Saul and Elizabeth C. Baran

• Origin

  Fujina, Tamayu town, Shimane prefecture, Japan

• Credit Line

  Gift of Saul and Elizabeth C. Baran

• Type

  Vessel

• Restrictions and Rights

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1950s

• Name

  Baran, Saul and Elizabeth C.

• Place

  Tamayu town, Fujina, Japan, Shimane prefecture

• Topic

  Art, Animals, Showa era (1926 - 1989), Stoneware, Japanese Art

• Culture

  Japanese

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)