Clifton Karhu: An American in Japan
Open to the public Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Sunday, January 17, 2027
Member Preview Day: Friday, October 2, 2026
This exhibition highlights the role of an American living and working in Japan, who enriched American art by introducing innovative techniques and perspective from Japanese culture. Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) was born in Deluth, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. military and spent two years at the naval base in Sasebo, Kyūshu. He returned to Japan years later as a missionary, but quickly became disillusioned and resumed his study of art. He was the first non-Japanese artist admitted as a member of the Japan Print Association. His work specifically illuminates the creative (sosaku) print movement of modern Japan. He was well regarded as a Japanese flute (shakuhachi) player and adopted the habit of wearing kimono daily. This exhibition features, woodblock prints, ceramic and stone works produced by the artist, all of which are works from the Museum Collection.
Himeji “White Heron” Castle in Osaka
by Clifton Karhu (American, b. 1927)
Woodblock print; ink and colors on paper
Shōwa period, dated 1978
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Marcus
1995.018.030
Watanabe Geisha Residence in Kyoto
by Clifton Karhu (American, b. 1927)
Woodblock print; ink and colors on paper
Shōwa period, dated 1980
15 in. H x 19 in. W
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Marcus
1995.018.006
Mending Cracks in Time: Kintsugi Art of Naoko Fukumaru
Open to the public Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Sunday, February 28, 2027
Member Preview Day: Friday, October 16, 2026
Kintsugi is not only an art form but also a deeply philosophical point of view in Japan. Traditionally, broken ceramics are mended with all natural lacquer (urushi) tree sap mixed with powdered gold, which exaggerates the repair rather than hides it. Fukumaru takes this tradition that dates back to 15th century Japan and propels it into the 21st century.
With her professional background as a ceramic conservator at major museums in the US and Japan, she has developed a deep understanding of the key components of the raw materials – ceramic, lacquer and metal. Fukumaru blends this scientific understanding with an artistic ability guided by her own personal journey of restoration and recovery. She employs a wide variety of sources including master ceramic works, tea ceremony utensils, everyday vessels, imported wares, kiln-deformed pieces and a singular installation piece.
Through this collection of over 160 individual items, a contemplative space is created, which invites visitors to reflect on their own experiences of loss, resilience, healing and renewal. This exhibition is produced by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens with support from the Herni & Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
It’s Okay to be Broken
by Naoko FUKUMARU
Persian (Iranian) stoneware, calcium carbonate, lacquer and 23.5K gold
ca. 10th century to 14th century, restored 2023
7” Di.
Secret Life
by Naoko FUKUMARU
Excavated stoneware fragments from Heinz Laffin Pottery in Canada, calcium carbonate, resin, barnacles, lacquer and 23.5K gold
21st century, restored 2024
4.75” L
Beautiful Trauma – Rango
by Naoko FUKUMARU
Pre-Columbian double vase fragment, lacquer, resin, calcium carbonate and 23.5K gold
Unknown, restored 2026
Raku ceramic fragments, lacquer, resin, black berry thorns and brass
10.5” L
