AMES, IA.- Held over from the spring semester after the early closure due to COVID-19, the Contemplate Japan exhibition will now run through the fall 2020 semester. Drawn from the permanent and loaned collections, Contemplate Japan includes nine different areas of both traditional and contemporary objects; Japanese woodblock prints, bamboo baskets, ikebana floral arrangements, kimono, dolls, ceramics, and contemporary sculpture. Contemplate Japan aims to illuminate the artistic and cultural developments emanating from Japan for the last two centuries and their influence on arts of the West with both historic and contemporary works of art.

“This exhibition series, Contemplate Japan, focuses on the traditional aesthetics of Japanese art and on the contemporary interpretations of artists inspired by Japanese motifs and designs. Included in the exhibition are examples of historic Japanese works of art along with the contemporary interpretations in textiles, glass, ceramics, bamboo, and ikebana. Iowa State is fortunate to have a robust collection of objects from Japan and those influenced by Japanese design. Contemplate Japan consists of several hundred permanent collection and loaned objects reflecting the importance of Japanese culture and history, highlighting how those objects continue to inspire artists and visitors alike.” – Lynette Pohlman, Director and Chief Curator, University Museums

The Five Aspects of Contemplate Japan

Prints from Paradise
Japanese woodblock prints quickly captured American and European attention after the Meiji Restoration (1868) opened Japan to the world following nearly three centuries of isolation. The subject focus of early Ukiyo-e ("art of the floating world") was theater and beautiful women; however, this grew over time to include military subjects, historical tales, folklore, ghost stories, and landscape.

The exhibition of Japanese woodblock prints includes a selection from the Brunnier Art Museum's permanent collection and recent acquisitions.

Bamboo Art Vessels
Featuring works of Japanese bamboo art dating from the late 19th century to the 2000s, this loaned exhibition showcases more than 60 baskets and sculptures. The objects were created by accomplished artists and explore the refined beauty and technical sophistication of Japanese bamboo, rattan, madaka and other materials.

Highlighting key stages in the modern history of Japanese bamboo art, the exhibition is graciously drawn and loaned from the Karen and Robert Duncan Collection and the Barbara Janson and Arthur Hillsinger Collection.

Layers of Meaning: Kimono
As Japan asserted its own identity between the ninth and twelfth centuries, the Japanese began to wear kimono, long robes with open sleeves. The exhibition includes a selection of yukata, which is the summer version of kimono.

The kimono are selected from Iowa State University’s Textile and Clothing Collection, and curated by Ellen McKinney, Sophia Luu, and Janet Fitzpatick from Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, College of Human Sciences.




Historic Ceramics
Founded by Korean potters, inspired by Chinese styles and encouraged by Dutch traders, Japanese porcelain absorbed foreign influences while also incorporating uniquely Japanese elements. Porcelain production began in Japan in the early 17th century and was exported around the world, becoming an important influence on the West.

The objects in this exhibition are drawn from the University Museums’ Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection and the W. Allen Perry Collection.

The Four Aspects of Contemplate Contemporary Japan

Karen LaMonte: Floating Worlds of the Geisha and Kabuki
Four cast glass and ceramic life-size kimono sculptures along with three maquettes by artist Karen LaMonte are front and center in the new Lori A. Jacobson Gallery of the Brunnier Art Museum. LaMonte studied all aspects of kimono production, from weaving to construction, function, rituals, and meaning; she then spent six years on research and work in the studio to complete her Floating World project.

A portion of Floating World is on exhibition in the Brunnier Art Museum and on loan from the artist.

Priscilla Sage: Floating Worlds of Color
A selection of textile sculptures by Ames artist Priscilla Sage reflect the influences of Japanese aesthetics on the artist beginning in the 1990s.

The exhibition is drawn from the University Museums’ permanent collection and promised gifts of the artist.

Peter Hamann: Carving Translucense
Peter Hamann moved to Japan as a young adult to study Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony. His passion for Japanese culture led him to stay in Japan and to continue pursuing his career in the ceramic arts. This exhibition showcases stunning and innovative ceramics that Hamann has refined over the last four decades.

This exhibition is drawn from the University Museums' permanent collection.

Sogetsu Ikebana
Ikebana (ike means “to arrange” and bana or hana means “flowers”) is a prominent and disciplined manifestation of the focus on nature found throughout Japanese culture. The practice emphasizes the lines formed by the placement of the leaves, branches, blooms, and twigs. A successful presentation also conveys a sense of harmony among the plants, the container, and the setting.

A custom Sogetsu Ikebana was constructed in the Brunnier Art Museum in January, specifically for the Contemplate Japan exhibition, by a team of five artists and three assistants. The large bamboo sculpture, titled Undulations, stands ten feet high and is one of the first objects visitors see when they enter the museum.

In addition to the exhibition, a diverse set of programs has been developed to highlight artists, styles and the culture of Japan.