Exhibition "Children and Adults' Free Study: Patterns Exciting x2" Focusing on Japanese Patterns Opens at The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery (Kanazawa City)!

The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) will host "Children and Adults' Free Study: Patterns Exciting x2" from Friday, July 3rd to Wednesday, September 23rd.

Why do patterns exist? Even when we say "simple is best" or "modern is better without them," patterns never disappear. There is something about patterns that captures our eyes and hearts. From flowers, birds, wind, and moon to everyday items, and even the traces of chemical reactions, there is nothing that cannot become a pattern. Each one is imbued with someone's "like" or "wow" at some point, bringing us an exciting feeling.

This exhibition focuses on the world of patterns, introducing approximately 140 masterpieces of modern and contemporary crafts that can be enjoyed by everyone from craft beginners to enthusiasts.

Children and Adults' Free Study: Patterns Exciting x2 Exhibition View 1 Children and Adults' Free Study: Patterns Exciting x2 Exhibition View 2

Exhibition Contents

Exhibition Room 1: Living Things – The Radiance of Daily Life Woven by Patterns

Affection for all living things richly colors the world of patterns. This room focuses on pattern motifs, especially those derived from nature. Behind the custom of framing and appreciating patterns lies the desire to capture the brilliance of life from natural objects in everyday items, entrusting them with various wishes such as longevity, prosperity, and beauty. The patterns that remain in your memory may also hold someone's feelings.

Kitasato Takeshi "Brocade Band 'Spring Garden'" (detail) 2012, Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery, Photo: Saito Taku Matsuda Gonroku "Makie Raden Yūsoku Bako" 1960, Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery, Photo: Saito Taku

Exhibition Room 2: One by One, Many – Expanding the Charm of Patterns Through Composition

Craft forms are incredibly diverse to meet functional needs. This room delves into the perspective of artists who have determined the "number" of patterns. A white pot with a front implies a back. We can immerse ourselves in the lingering beauty of a single fish swimming leisurely, or be captivated by the rhythmic effect evoked by repeating patterns. If you were to change the number of patterns... Imagining such scenarios can broaden your perspective on the artworks.

Ishiguro Sōmaro "Flat Vase with Black Fish Design on White Ground" c. 1940-41, Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery, Photo: Saito Taku Inagaki Nenshijirō "Cotton Chayuzen Wall Hanging 'Tiger'" (1 of 3 pieces) 1960, Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery [First Period Exhibition]

Exhibition Room 3: Precise, Astonishing – Trembling at the Techniques That Create Patterns

Craftsmanship is synonymous with master techniques. The artist's deep understanding of materials and techniques, along with their passion, makes this genre stand out, exuding a charm that even children will exclaim "Cool!". Challenges based on meticulous calculations sometimes lead to boldness that appears to be on the verge of collapse, but the best works oscillate between the two. The numerous "incidents" occurring even within elegant patterns are not to be missed.

Matsui Yasunari "Large Jar with Nerage Shōretsu Pattern in Madder" (detail) 1981, Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery, Photo: Saito Taku Sekiya Shirō "Sōgō-zara (Combined Plate) in Shakudō and Silver" 1972, Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery, Photo: Saito Taku

How to Enjoy This Exhibition

"Welcome Back" and "Nice to Meet You": Pokémon x Crafts

The "Pokémon x Crafts Exhibition - Discovering the Wonders of Art and Craftsmanship" held at The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery in 2023 featured "Pokémon x Edo Komon" which garnered "likes" from a wide range of age groups. These works, along with newly created pieces born during the touring exhibition, will be on display. For those who wanted to see those works again in Kanazawa, or for those curious about the "new works," both of these pieces are a must-see.

Komiya Yasuyoshi "Edo Komon Kimono Fabric 'Gengar/Ghost'" (detail) 2022, Photo: Saito Taku ©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Pocket Monsters, Pokémon, and Pokémon are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.

Inspiring Discovery and Learning Through the "Exploration Kit"

All visitors in junior high school or younger will receive an "Exploration Kit." Using a workbook filled with wonderful photos and hints, and "Jiro Glasses" to aid concentration, explore the venue and visualize your discoveries with the included stickers. The results of your appreciation will be showcased on "Zukan Cards" (worksheets) that introduce your top picks with illustrations and keywords.

During evening opening hours, adults can also experience the "Exploration Kit" (while supplies last).

Special Exhibition of Keisuke Serizawa Held Concurrently

Keisuke Serizawa, a genius of pattern making, dedicated his life to this craft. Approximately 20 works, from small sketches to his representative folding screens, will be exhibited, with no phase to be missed.

Exhibition Overview

Exhibition Title

Children and Adults' Free Study: Patterns Exciting x2

Exhibition Period

July 3, 2026 (Fri) - September 23, 2026 (Wed, Holiday)

*Some exhibits will be changed during the exhibition period.

Opening Hours

9:30 - 17:30

*Fridays and Saturdays from July 17th to August 15th, open until 20:00

*Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed

Mondays (except July 20th and September 21st, which will be open), Tuesday, July 21st

Venue

The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery (3-2 Dewa-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Organizers

The National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery, Hokkoku Shimbun

Sponsors

MRO Hokuriku Broadcasting, TV Kanazawa

Admission Fees

General 1,000 yen (900 yen), University students 700 yen (600 yen)

* ( ) indicates group rates for 20 or more people and discounted rates

* All prices include tax

* Free for high school students and younger, individuals under 18, persons with disabilities (presenting a disability certificate) and one accompanying person

* Discounted rates apply after 17:30 on evening opening days (Fridays and Saturdays from July 17th to August 15th)

Access

Approximately 20 minutes by bus from the Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit) of JR Kanazawa Station

20-30 minutes by car from Kanazawa-Nishi IC or Kanazawa Morimoto IC on the Hokuriku Expressway

Shared cultural facility parking (free) available

Inquiries

050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)

Exhibition Official Website https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/exhibitions/569