Mingei: Art Without Heroes

An exploration of the evolution of the Japanese Mingei (folk art) movement within the context of today’s concerns

Originating in Japan in the 1920s, the Mingei movement was based on the principle that beauty is inherent in handmade, everyday objects created by anonymous craftspeople. Spearheaded by the philosopher Yanagi Sōetsu, and potters Hamada Shōji and Bernard Leach, the movement sought to elevate the status of folk craft in a rapidly modernising society.

This richly-illustrated book covers a wide range of objects associated with Mingei, from ceramics and furniture to textiles and toys, alongside a series of profiles of leading designers and makers working in Japan today. Contributors from a variety of backgrounds explore Mingei’s origins, interpretations and contemporary implications, shedding new light on the ways in which the principles of the movement remain relevant to today’s personal, social and environmental concerns.

Exhibition Schedule:

William Morris Gallery, London
(March 23, 2024-September 22, 2024)

Roisin Inglesby is curator at the William Morris Gallery. Yuko Kikuchi is head of academic programmes at the V&A. Dasom Sung is assistant curator of Korean Arts, and Anna Jackson is keeper of the Asia Department, both at the V&A. Okazaki Manami is an independent writer and curator. Sam Thorne is director general and CEO of Japan House, London. Naomi Pollock is an American architect who writes about design in Japan. Aaron Angell is a ceramic artist and director of Troy Town Pottery, London. Adam Sutherland is director of Grizedale Arts. Yoshizawa Tomo is a writer and cultural translator