Traditional Pottery, Crafts from Okayama on Display in N.Y.

New York, Nov. 5 (Jiji Press)–The cities of Bizen and Setouchi in the western Japan prefecture of Okayama kicked off an exhibition and sales event for Bizen pottery and other traditional crafts at a gallery in New York on Wednesday. With fostering successors being a challenge for traditional artisans, the two cities aim to raise the recognition of such works in New York and cultivate a new market among its affluent bracket. On display at the event, which runs through Nov. 21, are dozens of items, including Bizen ware works, Sue ware, believed to be the root of Bizen pottery, and Japanese swords produced in Okayama. A New Yorker with an interest in traditional Japanese crafts said that it was her first time to see Bizen ware and that she found the shapes beautiful. Bizen Mayor Nobuyuki Nagasaki said at the exhibition that he hopes the event will serve as a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience the depth and spirit of Japanese culture and tradition. Japanese swords have drawn international attention for their artistic beauty, Setouchi Mayor Kentaro Kuroishi said, adding that he wants visitors to take a close look at them. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]