Sensei Manji Inoue, a Japanese master artist and teacher, will visit the University of New Mexico June 2 as part of a 25-year relationship with a unique art education course. The Art Education Program at the UNM College of Education has taught the Arita method since 1980 and is the only major university in the U.S. to teach the ancient porcelain technique.
Photo: The Arita method of porcelain
Inoue, who is 75, is considered a National Living Treasure of Japan and is from Arita, on the island of Kyushu, where porcelain clay was discovered in Japan 400 years ago.
Instructor Kathryne Cyman says that her UNM students are introduced to the philosophy, aesthetic and process of creating Arita porcelain pottery. The creation of vessels of white porcelain is a demanding task, utilizing pure white clay and highly transparent glazes.
A current exhibit at the UNM Maxwell Museum, through June 4, shows the work of Inoue and UNM students and presents tools, videos and a historical context.
Inoue has sponsored visits by UNM students to Japan and has visited the university close to a dozen times. This year he will bring 30 guests to New Mexico including artists, journalists, civic and business leaders.
When working in porcelain, Inoue maintains that the artist should pursue beauty in form, while creating shapes that are true to oneself. “The important thing about ceramics is not their external appearance,” he says, “It is the heart and soul that go into creating them.”
Inoue will visit UNM June 2 to tour the Maxwell exhibit and show his continued support and interest in the Arita Methods course. At 10:30 a.m. he will meet with College of Education Dean Viola Florez to receive a special recognition. A luncheon will be held at the Student Union Building prior to a campus tour. Later in the day, Inoue is scheduled to meet with UNM President Louis Caldera and will attend a private reception at the Hibben Center.
Before returning to Japan, Inoue and his guests will travel to Santa Fe and Tucson, Ariz.