Maeda Masahiro (b. 1948), Faceted waterjar decorated with owl-motif panels, 1980, iro-e porcelain, lacquer lid, 5 7/8 x 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.; Photo by Noda Kōichi; Courtesy of Joan B Mirviss LTD.

Playing with Pattern: MAEDA MASAHIRO
Retrospective of an Iro-e Master
November 2–December 15, 2023
Opening Reception with the Artist: Thursday, November 2

Avidly collected in Japan for decades, this artist-curated exhibition at Joan B Mirviss LTD marks Maeda Masahiro’s first retrospective show outside of Japan. Playing with Pattern brings together major works from each stage of his career. Though his style has undergone transformations over the years, Maeda’s artistry is rooted in a unique layering of decorations, often utilizing a remarkable range of colors and motifs that are accentuated in gold and silver. Working steadily for over fifty years, Maeda is renowned for his skills in iro-e, an overglaze enamel technique that traces its roots to the vibrant Japanese polychrome porcelain ware of the seventeenth century. By combining his technical expertise with exuberant patterning, Maeda Masahiro is a modern master committed to enlivening tradition while occasionally imbuing it with wry humor.

Artist Maeda Masahiro will be present for the exhibition opening. Please email the gallery for more information.

To learn more about this upcoming exhibition, click here.