Unveiling Theaster Gates Exhibition #5: We All Drink Together
2024.7.22 [Mon]
A vast quantity of pottery bottle covers the entire wall. These are called binbo tokkuri bottles, loaned to saké store customers who were making only a small purchase of 1.8 liter or 0.9 liters from late Edo period (mid-19th century) to early Showa period (early 20th century). They highlight a particular form yet in different sizes produced in Japan’s pottery towns, namely in cities like Tokoname, Bizen, Seto, and Tamba.
In a collaboration with potter Tani Q (b. 1977) whose grandfather collected these vbinbo tokkuri, each and every one of these vessels are stamped with the logo for Gates’ latest Japanese project, Mon Industries (mon meaning “gate” in Japanese). Having lost its utility and become obsolete, the binbo tokkuri is reborn as a contemporary emblem of ritual and cultural significance.
Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei exhibition is currently ongoing until Sunday, September 1, 2024. The free audio guide includes commentary from Theaster Gates himself as well as explanations provided by the curators of the exhibition. We hope you visit, experience, and enjoy the exhibition at the venue.
We All Drink Together
2024
Binbo tokkuri
Dimensions variable (1,000 pieces)
Production support: Tani Q
Installation view: Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2024
Photo: Koroda Takeru
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