GALLERYTERUKO TSUJI

Teruko Tsuji was a pioneering female ceramic artist.
Exhibited in Exhibition Room 4 on the 2nd floor and throughout the 3rd floor are many of her works,
including ceramic kaleidoscopes, paintings, tableware, and accessories.
Her warm, feminine creations are inspired by motifs from nature.

TERUKO and the Kaleidoscope

The beauty of nature, created by the gods
Even if only a fraction of it could be expressed

As a child, Teruko Tsuji was captivated by the beauty of a European-made kaleidoscope her father brought home. For over 60 years, she dreamed of recreating that “beautiful world.” In 1993, she encountered American kaleidoscopes and began crafting ceramic tubes, collaborating with renowned kaleidoscope artist Charles Karadimos, who created the designs in the form of images.
She later partnered with Japanese artists Koji Yamami and Mitsuru & Yuriko Yoda to bring her vision to life.
In Exhibition Room 4 on the 2nd floor and in the “Kujakugama” Teruko Tsuji Gallery on the 3rd floor, visitors can enjoy her ceramic kaleidoscopes, accessories, tea sets, and paintings.

Life is a Kaleidoscope

Life, like this kaleidoscope,
can take any shape through random combinations

There is nothing quite as mysterious as the mirrors inside a kaleidoscope.
As I gaze into one, I feel as if all the troubles of the world fade away.
The cascade and layering of colors created by coincidence,
the shimmering light forming a world that feels as fleeting as a moment never to return— just a small movement and the entire scene transforms.
It’s a wonder that never ceases to fascinate.
And somehow, it brings a deep sense of calm and fulfillment.
It’s a world as radiant as the morning sun, as dazzling as the evening glow.
“And like the kaleidoscope, life too can be shaped by chance.
With a small turn, a new perspective appears.
I hope people will come to see that every scene in life has its own beauty and brilliance. —TERUKO TSUJI—

TERUKO TSUJI PROFILE

A pioneer among Japan’s
female ceramic artists

1920/ Born in Nihonbashi, Tokyo
1938/ Studied ceramics under Mitsuhiko Omori and Kenkichi Tomimoto; studied Japanese painting under Kinshiro Asaka
1941/ Exhibited at the Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco
1941/ Received a Special Prize at the Tokyo Prefectural Contemporary Crafts Exhibition
1955/ Associated with Rosanjin Kitaoji
1978/ Held a ceramics exhibition at the Togu Imperial Residence
2009/ Celebrated her 90th birthday with a special exhibition at the Sendai Kaleidoscope Art Museum
2017/ Passed away in October
Published works include: ""Handmade Ceramics,"" ""Floral Art Collection,"" ""Kaleidoscope,"" and ""Life is a Kaleidoscope"" among others"