Traditional Japanese crafts are often considered as old-fashioned, especially when compared with the nation's increasingly popular art forms of animation, manga and design. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, aims to shake up the public's perception of crafts with an exhibition presenting artisans who take unconventional and modern approaches to their work.
These artists don't emulate Western aesthetics, as some Japanese craftsmen have tried in the past, instead they explore new potential uses and forms of the country's industrial arts. The 12 artists' works, which include ceramics and lacquer ware, show that crafts can be closer to modern arts than you would think; till Aug 31.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa; (076) 220 2800; 1-2-1, Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa; Kanazawa Station, Hokuriku Main Line. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Mon. www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=19&d=1386.
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