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Jun Kaneko Art

Japanese, American, b. 1942

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

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Style: Abstract
Artist: Jun Kaneko
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 (...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Jun Kaneko Art

Materials

Oil Crayon, Sumi Ink, Handmade Paper

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Previously Available Items
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2010s Abstract Jun Kaneko Art

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Jun Kaneko's work is a marriage of painting and ceramics, utilizing the sculptural forms to inform the painterly glaze application, design, and color palette. With the added beauty ...
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2010s Abstract Jun Kaneko Art

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Dango
Dango
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Jun Kaneko art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jun Kaneko art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jun Kaneko in ceramic, glaze, handmade paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Jun Kaneko art, so small editions measuring 22 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Niho Kozuru, Tom Otterness, and Mirko Guida. Jun Kaneko art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,750 and tops out at $25,000, while the average work can sell for $13,000.
Questions About Jun Kaneko Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Jun Kaneko is usually considered a contemporary artist. The term applies to any artist who worked after the 1950s or 1960s. Most of the Japanese-American artist's most famous works date back to the early 21st century. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Jun Kaneko art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Jun Kaneko's colorful ceramic sculptures are diverse and colorful. A common technique he uses involves covering wall-mounted and free-standing ceramic pieces with masking tape and colored slips to create markings. Shop a selection of Jun Kaneko pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

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