Japan Design Committee is pleased to present the 790th Design Gallery 1953 exhibition, “Sanae Awatsuji and Kettles”.
Sanae Awatsuji is a popular doll artist known for her colorful and plump dolls, and is also a well-known collector of kettles.
In this exhibition, we will introduce kettles selected from the collection of more than 150 items collected by Sanae Awatsuji, who celebrated her 90th birthday last year, as well as illustrations newly drawn for this exhibition, along with their episodes. Her daughters, Misa Awatsuji (graphic designer, member of Japan Design Committee) and Maki (designer), have put together this exhibition. This exhibition is the culmination of her creative activities. Please enjoy her lovely and warm world view.
Message from Misa Awatsuji, Exhibition Director
Sanae’s collection has been growing ever since the orange kettle came to her home 50 years ago. The more than 150 kettles of different nationalities and eras that line the kitchen are no longer mere tools, but have become her beloved companions. Each kettle has its own unique encounter and feelings, and eventually even has a personality of its own. A part of the collection is introduced here with illustrations.
Exhibition Outline
- Title: The 790th Design Gallery 1953 Exhibition “Sanae Awatsuji and Kettles”
- Dates: September 11, 2024 (Wed) — November 4, 2024 (Monday), 11:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.; closing at 5:00 p.m. on the last day; free admission
- Venue: Matsuya Ginza 7th floor, Design Gallery 1953
- Organizer: Japan Design Committee
- Exhibition Director: Misa Awatsuji
- Cooperation: AWATSUJI design
• Please refer to the Matsuya Ginza website for the opening hours and other information.
Sanae Awatsuji Biography
After working as a textile designer at Kanebo Design Office, she married the late Hiroshi Awatsuji, a textile designer and former member of the Japan Design Committee.
In 1958, they co-founded Hiroshi Awatsuji Design Office. After the birth of her daughters, she began making dolls, and was discovered as a doll maker by designers Ikko Tanaka and Isamu Kenmochi. In the 1980s, he worked on numerous advertisements and his style became widely known.
