Osaka’s Oriental Ceramics Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art

In 1982, the Sumitomo Group donated the globally renowned “Ataka Collection” to the city of Osaka, leading to the establishment of this museum. The museum focuses on the Ataka Collection, which primarily consists of Chinese and Korean ceramics. It also houses the “Lee Byung-chang Collection” of Korean ceramics, works by Shoji Hamada, and a collection of Japanese ceramics. The museum’s collection of Oriental ceramics, which includes two national treasures and 13 important cultural properties, boasts world-class quality and quantity.

Upon its recent renovation, the museum has installed a new entrance hall, which serves as the “face” of the museum. It has also updated its exhibition facilities, including natural lighting display cases, rotating display stands, earthquake-resistant display stands, and “purple” excited LED lighting. The museum’s logo, signage, and experiential programs have also been revamped.

The Ataka Collection

The “Ataka Collection” was donated by 21 companies of the Sumitomo Group and mainly consists of Chinese and Korean ceramics. In addition, the museum houses the “Lee Byung-chang Collection” of Korean ceramics donated by Dr. Lee Byung-chang, works by Shoji Hamada, and a collection of Japanese ceramics. The museum owns two national treasures and 13 important cultural properties, boasting a world-class collection of Oriental ceramics in terms of both quality and quantity.

In March 1999, the museum opened a new building to exhibit the “Japanese Ceramics Collection” and the “Lee Byung-chang Collection of Korean Ceramics”. The museum’s collection of 5,691 items, including 13 important cultural properties, is world-class in terms of both quality and quantity. In addition to the collection exhibition, the museum also holds various special exhibitions.

The museum is a luxurious spot for pottery lovers, with a planning exhibition room, a special exhibition room, a Japanese ceramics room, a Chinese ceramics room, a Korean ceramics room, the Lee Byung-chang Collection, and a video library. The museum is located in Nakanoshima, an oasis in the heart of Osaka City, filled with greenery. This beautiful environment provides visitors with a sense of peace and tranquility, offering an ideal space for art appreciation.

The Osaka City Oriental Ceramics Museum is a wonderful place to gain a deep understanding of Oriental ceramic culture. Its rich collection and beautiful environment inspire all visitors. Be sure to visit this museum on your next trip to Osaka.

Exhibition Information

The museum regularly holds special exhibitions. The current exhibition is the “Shin Oriental Ceramics - MOCO Collection” special exhibition in commemoration of the museum’s renovation. It is being held from April 12 to September 29, Reiwa 6.

Osaka City Oriental Ceramics Museum

Address: 1-1-26 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Closed: Mondays (next day if it is a holiday), end of the year and New Year (12/28 to 1/4), exhibition change period Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (admission until 16:30) Fee: Determined for each exhibition Access: Immediately from Exit 1 of “Naniwabashi Station” on the Keihan Electric Railway Nakanoshima Line, Exit 1 of “Yodoyabashi Station” on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line / Keihan Main Line or a 5-minute walk from Exit 26 of “Kitahama Station” on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line / Keihan Main Line URL: https://www.moco.or.jp/