On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Bizen City Museum of Art in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture opens "Teacup Merry-Go-Round: 100 Years of Modern Design in European Ceramics," an exhibition drawn from the collection of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu (岐阜県現代陶芸美術館). The show runs through Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Held for the first time in western Japan, the exhibition focuses on around 100 works spanning from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. Through fine examples of tea ware and interior decorative objects, it traces the appeal of modern design as it blossomed over the decades.
During the run, the museum also offers a number of ways to make the visit more enjoyable, including a limited-time café menu served in Wedgwood cups and an original coaster gift inspired by the works on display.
An Original Exhibition Coaster as a Gift
Visitors who use the museum café during the exhibition will receive an original coaster featuring a design drawn from one of the works on display.
Japanese Black Tea and a Summer-Only Menu in Wedgwood "Wild Strawberry" Cups
After viewing the exhibition, visitors can relax at the museum café with a selection of seasonal offerings:
- A tea time enjoyed in Wedgwood "Wild Strawberry" cups
- A chilled semifreddo with crumble and almond, topped with strawberry syrup (two varieties)
- An original pound cake served with whipped cream
- A refreshing "Tea Soda," perfect for summer
Elegant European Goods on Sale
The museum shop offers the exhibition catalog along with a selection of goods and stationery that let visitors enjoy the elegant world of European ceramics at home.
Photo Spots to Remember Your Visit
Photo spots will be set up in several locations throughout the museum, so visitors can capture a memento of their exhibition experience.
Special Programs During the Exhibition
A range of hands-on programs for both children and adults will be held throughout the exhibition period.
Lecture: "Modern Design in Western Ceramics" — Sunday, July 12, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, in the 1st-floor auditorium. Led by a curator from the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. Capacity 60 (first-come, advance registration required); free with a same-day admission ticket.
Workshop: "Decorate a Tile with Transfer Sheets" — Held in six sessions on Saturday, August 1, between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Participants apply transfer sheets and fire them in a mini tunnel kiln to create an original tile. Capacity 10 per session (first-come, advance registration required); ¥500.
Seminar: "Enjoying Japanese Black Tea" — Saturday, September 12, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. A seminar covering the basics of Japanese black tea, with tastings and sweets alongside its history and production. For high school age and above; capacity 20 (first-come, advance registration required); ¥1,500 (plus a same-day admission ticket).
Gallery Talks — Curators give exhibition tours on July 25, August 15, August 30, September 13, and September 21, each starting at 1:30 PM. Free with a same-day admission ticket; no reservation needed.
Concert — A chanson concert inspired by European ceramics, held on Saturday, September 5 with two performances (11:00 AM and 2:00 PM) in the 1st-floor entrance hall. Free; no reservation needed.
Exhibition Information
- Exhibition: Teacup Merry-Go-Round: 100 Years of Modern Design in European Ceramics — from the collection of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu (岐阜県現代陶芸美術館コレクション ティーカップ・メリーゴーラウンド ヨーロッパ陶磁にみるモダンデザイン100年)
- Dates: July 4 (Saturday) to September 27 (Sunday), 2026
- Venue: Bizen City Museum of Art, 2nd-floor Exhibition Rooms 1, 2, and 3
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays and closed the following weekday), and year-end/New Year holidays. Temporary closures may also occur for exhibition changeovers.
- Organizers: Bizen City Museum of Art and Sanyo Shimbun, with cooperation from the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu
- Admission:
- General: ¥1,000
- Students (university, vocational school, and high school): ¥800
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
- Age 65 and over (residents of Bizen City, Ako City, or Kamigori Town): ¥750
- Age 65 and over (residents elsewhere): ¥900
- Additional discounts are available; see the official website for details.
- Access: A 1-minute walk from Imbe Station on the JR Ako Line.
For the latest details and to register for programs, visit the official exhibition page: https://bizen-moa.jp/exhibition/exhibition-36870/
