Jun Kaneko is a Japanese-born American ceramic artist and painter. He is largely known for his large-scale hand-built clay sculptures he calls dangos, which is Japanese for dumpling and refers to their rounded forms. Reaching heights of at least eight feet, these monumental, often abstract ceramic works are aimed at civic engagement and are intended to promote viewers to get involved in issues of public concern.
Kaneko began to explore his creative side during his high school years in Japan where he studied painting. In 1963, Kaneko moved to the United States and continued his studies at the Chouinard Art Institute.
Kaneko was drawn to ceramic sculpture after having been introduced to Fred Marer, a professor of mathematics at Los Angeles City College and a lifelong collector of contemporary ceramics. Marer had built deep relationships with the major West Coast ceramic artists that were represented in his vast collection — which was later donated to Scripps College — and owing to Kaneko’s connection to Marer, the budding Japanese artist studied during the mid-1960s with the likes of Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner and Jerry Rothman, each a seminal figure in the development of American contemporary ceramics.
Kaneko later taught at art schools and, in 1986, moved to Nebraska, which is his primary residence today. In 1990, Kaneko opened his third studio in Nebraska and has also worked at a variety of experimental studios in the United States, Asia and Europe.
Over the years Kaneko has created costumes and sets for opera productions and has built more than 70 large-scale public installations — both temporary and permanent. His work can be seen in Canada, China and Jakarta, in locations across the United States and elsewhere. Kaneko’s sculptures are also held in the collections of more than 80 museums. The ceramist has received a number of awards over the years including a Commendation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, a Gold Medal for Consummate Craftsmanship from the American Craft Council and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center.
Find original Jun Kaneko sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
Drawing 02-02-16
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Phoenix, AZ
sumi ink and oil stick on Korean paper (72 x 61.5 x 1.5 inches, framed) b. 1942, Nagoya, Japan Jun Kaneko’s most recognized sculptural form is the boldly glazed, monumental dango (...
Oil Crayon, Sumi Ink, Handmade Paper
Jun Kaneko Signed Monumental Art Studio Pottery Ceramic Wall Sculpture Charger
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly breathtaking work by renowned Japanese born ceramic master Jun Kaneko. Kaneko studied with Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner, and Jerry Rothman and was exposed to such artist as Ken Price and John...
Paint, Ceramic, Stoneware
Dango Ceramic Sculpture by Jun Kaneko, 21st Century, 40x38x15 in
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jun Kaneko Title: Dango Medium: Fired Clay Ceramic Sculpture Size: 40" x 38" x 15" Year: 2003 Jun Kaneko's "Dango" (2003) reflects the artist's longstanding engagement with ...
Ceramic
Jun Kaneko Signed 1998 Original Oil Stick and Ink on Paper
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jun Kaneko Title: Untitled Medium: Oil Stick and Ink on Paper Dimensions: 43" × 29.25" Year: 1998 Inscription: Signed bottom front, "Kaneko 98" Jun Kaneko's untitled paintin...
Paper, Oil
Jun Kaneko Glazed Earthenware Oval Plate
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Stamford, CT
Jun Kaneko (b. 1942) glazed earthenware oval plater wall hanging. Signed, dated 94-8-11. circa 1994. Omaha, NE.
Earthenware
$19,000
Untitled
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Best known for his large-scale, monumental dango (Japanese for “rounded form”) sculptures, Jun Kaneko makes glazed ceramicsm that resemble inflated, three-dimensional canvases. Often...
Mixed Media, Handmade Paper
$520
H 22 in W 15 in
"The Couple", Abstract, Minimalist, Gold Leaf, Watercolor Painting
By Anita Loomis
Located in Franklin, MA
"The Couple" by Anita Loomis is a quiet but rich 22 x 15 inch watercolor of a couple depicted in minimalist abstract form inspired by simple, elegant native...
Mixed Media, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Sky Ceramic Plate Hand Painted Glazed Earthenware Italian, Contemporary
Located in London, GB
Hand painted ceramic plate "Sky" series by Pantoù Ceramics, hand thrown and hand painted glazed earthenware. All unique pieces, Italy, 2019. Measure: 40 cm diameter. Pantoù Cerami...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Turkish Ottoman Scene Polychrome Hand Painted Ceramic Vase Kutahya
By Iznik Pottery
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A small Kütahya style polychrome hand painted and handcrafted glazed ceramic decorative vase with an Ottoman scene. This is an intricately, hand painted vase that was made in Marmara, Turkey: Kütahya is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored. It has a beautifully hand painted scene with Ottomans princes enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by flowers in burgundy, turquoise, light and dark blue and green foliage. An Islamic ceramic...
Ceramic
$250
H 15 in W 11.5 in D 0.1 in
Las Mascaras XIV. From Las Mascaras (The masks) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This series draws inspiration from Hatillo’s Fiesta de los Santos Inocentes, translating the festival’s vibrant movement and collective energy into a refined abstract vocabulary. Thr...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Pastel
$439Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.27 in W 13 in
Gates No.1 Abstract Painting, Oil & Crayon on Paper, 1976, Unframed
By George Dannatt
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) 'Gates' No 1 1976 Medium: Oil & crayon on oil wash Image: 21.0 x 33.0 cm Reference no: 0450 George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and sculptor ended ...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Oil
$300Sale Price|33% Off
H 1.38 in W 13.25 in D 10.58 in
1874 Minton Chinese Blue and White Transferware Platter
By Minton
Located in Sheffield, MA
An antique 19th century Minton Chinese blue and white transferware platter. It has a lovely pastoral scene. The underside is marke...
Pottery
Jun Ware Chinese Porcelain Vase
Located in Somis, CA
A splendid Jun ware porcelain Yu Tang Chun vase. Jun ware, is one of the most important kilns in China. Originated in Tang dynasty, Jun kiln produces the most...
Porcelain
$425
H 10.75 in W 8.75 in D 0.75 in
Vintage Ceramic Tile Wall Hanging, Hand-Painted East Asian Art, 1960
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional tile all hand-painted and glazed with beautiful scenery of birds flying between colorful vines and flowers on a cream color background. Could hang on the wall. Great obj...
Ceramic
Ceramic Pillow Chinese Ding Ware Song Style
Located in Somis, CA
A captivating Song Dynasty style ceramic pillow, inspired by the renowned Ding kiln. This kiln is celebrated for its exquisite milky white or beige glaz...
Ceramic
Vintage Decorative Platter by Albert Thiry 'circa 1970s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Vintage decorative platter (circa 1970s) by Albert Thiry. An oatmeal-coloured glaze provides the backdrop for a colourful flower motif and foliage in the recess of the platter. These...
Ceramic
$385Sale Price|53% Off
H 1.78 in W 13.19 in D 9.85 in
Antique Rouen Platter, Glazed Earthenware, France, Circa 1750
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare Rouen plate with beautiful blue decoration. France, circa 1750 Good condition.
Earthenware
Large Spanish Glazed Terracotta Granada "Lebrillo" Earthenware Bowl
Located in Marbella, ES
Large Spanish handmade and painted white and green glazed terracotta "lebrillo" earthenware bowl in the style typical of Granada.
Ceramic
Polka Dot Tile
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jun Kaneko Polka Dot Tile Stoneware, Glaze 1990 Approx. 18.5 x 15 x 1 in COA provided Comes with papers Ref.: 90-9-41 Ref.: 924802-1008 "Scale in nature pr...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
Drawing 02-09-37
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Phoenix, AZ
sumi ink and oil stick on Korean paper (72 x 61.5 x 1.5 inches, framed) b. 1942, Nagoya, Japan Jun Kaneko’s most recognized sculptural form is the boldly glazed, monumental dango (...
Oil Crayon, Sumi Ink, Handmade Paper
Ceramic Plate with Abstract Glaze Wall Sculpture by Jun Kaneko
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large ceramic plate as a wall hanging sculpture by Jun Kaneko (1942-) made in 1990. The Japanese-born American ceramic artist, based in Omaha, Nebraska is known for crating ceramic sculpture with abstract and expressive glaze pattern. Many of his large ceramic installation...
Ceramic
Two Cubes (on Tray)
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jun Kaneko Two Cubes (on Tray) Ceramic, Glaze 1984 13 x 24 x 14 in Signed and dated (bottom) COA provided Ref.: 924802-1006 "Scale in nature presents a great challenge to all object...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
Stoneware Charger
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jun Kaneko Title : "Stoneware Charger" Materials : Large Stoneware Charger with Pastel, Gray and Black Striped Ground Date: 1981 Dimensions : 22.2...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Ceramic Charger by Jun Kaneko
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Stamford, CT
Jun Kaneko is a Japanese artist who lives in Omaha Nebraska. He is best known for his monumental "Dango" pieces that resemble 6'+ height Celts. Though there is no known relationship ...
Ceramic
Drawing 02-09-24
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Phoenix, AZ
sumi ink and oil stick on Korean paper 72 x 61.5 x 1.5 inches framed Jun Kaneko’s interest in art making began during his adolesence in Japan, where he studied painting with Satosh...
Paper, Ink, Sumi Ink, Oil
Untitled (Dango)
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jun Kaneko Title: Untitled (Dango) Year: 2014 Material: Glazed Ceramic Size: 22.5 x 12 x 9 inches Signed "Scale in nature presents a great challenge to all object-makers. Mountains,...
Ceramic, Glaze
Circular Plate / Wall Panel by Jun Kaneko
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Stamford, CT
A black and white circular plate/wall hanging by Jun Kaneko. Signed and dated "Kaneko 93" on back.
Ceramic
Two-Tone Square Plate / Wall Panel by Jun Kaneko
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Stamford, CT
A black and white square plate / wall hanging by Jun Kaneko. Signed and dated "Kaneko 93" on back.
Ceramic
1123
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Phoenix, AZ
glazed ceramic
Ceramic, Glaze
1122
By Jun Kaneko
Located in Phoenix, AZ
glazed ceramics
Ceramic