Kurita Museum of Art

Overview

The Kurita Museum of Art, located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a museum specializing in Imari and Nabeshima porcelain. Founder Hideo Kurita, a prominent Japanese businessman and political economist, was a passionate collector of Imari and Nabeshima ware, dedicating his life to building this remarkable collection. The Kurita Museum houses numerous invaluable pieces of Imari and Nabeshima ware, amassing a collection of approximately 10,000 items—a scale and quality that ranks among the world's finest. The museum is spread across a vast site with various buildings of different sizes. The main building, designed by Mr. Kurita himself, is characterized by its dignified presence. The grounds also include a history hall, a documentation hall, and an Aranta hall, offering opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Imari and Nabeshima ware. The museum's gardens are another highlight. The extensive grounds are ablaze with seasonal flowers, creating a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. The garden also features Kurita Sanso, Mr. Kurita's former villa, which serves as a dining facility. The Kurita Museum of Art provides a precious opportunity to delve deeply into the world of Imari and Nabeshima ware. Contemplating the beautiful works and learning about their history and culture is sure to lead to new discoveries.