Mingei / Back in Action

 

Mingei International Museum has just reemerged from a three year massive renovation led by architect Jennifer Luce. The project has actually been in the works since 2015. The transformation is incredible.  

George Nakashima bench outside the library. 

The library has moved upstairs and is now more accessible to the public.

The shelving is Vitsoe, designed by Dieter Rams. I heard it might be one of the largest installations of Vitsoe ever done.

I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the stacks.

George Nakashima desk

GLOBAL SPIRIT—Folk Art from the Ted Cohen Collection showcases folk art from more than 20 countries, highlighting a donation to the Museum by Oakland-based collector and exhibition designer, Ted Cohen.

The Museum's board of director's Nakashima table grew. 

Mira Nakashima was commissioned to add a new extension to the table.

Art of the People for The People - Objects from the Museum's collection. The focus is Mingei’s roots in the early 20th-century Japanese mingei movement and the Museum’s “art of the people” collecting mission.  Seen here are at least a couple cups by Tatsuzo Shimaoka and chasen, or tea whisks.

Ceramics by Mingei founders

This Kawai Kanjiro vase is one of my favorites. 

Speaking of Mingei founders, here is a vase by Mingei Museum founder Martha Longenecker. 

The new restaurant space at the museum. 

The view towards the gift shop. 

Which has some great pieces.

Like this ceramic sculpture by Cara Golden.

There is a ton more to see. Plus, more to come. Word has it that a huge Woolley mural is going right about there.