Clay

Isamu Noguchi associated clay with Japan , and he created all of his ceramic sculpture during periods of residency in that country. Although he had used clay early in his career to model figurative sculptures to be cast in bronze, Noguchi first focused on ceramics in Kyoto in 1931, where he worked for five months and was highly influenced by ancient Haniwa figures. His second group of ceramic sculptures was done on his next trip to Japan in 1950, abstract works created for an exhibition at the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Tokyo. In 1952 Noguchi lived on the land of eminent potter Kitaoji Rosanjin, who invited Noguchi to use his clay and kilns. This resulted in his largest body of ceramics, consisting of both functional and sculptural works, 119 of which were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura in 1952.

Essay on Noguchi's ceramic sculpture   |  Noguchi on Ceramics