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.
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
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
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
$776Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.37 in Dm 15.95 in
A Large Antique Japanese Imari Charger / Wall Plate, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Antique Japanese Imari Charger / Wall Plate, 19th Century Description: A central urn filled with peonies is surrounded by alternating decorative panels. Features a scalloped...
Porcelain
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
$1,500
H 3 in Dm 13.75 in
Elegant Large Antique Lobster Hand-Painted Relief Charger Suiban , Signed Box
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare hard to find lobster themed artisan signed large suiban (charger) crafted from ceramic by the early Banko kiln and in excellent original condition. The original artist sign...
Ceramic
$450
H 1.5 in Dm 12.25 in
Turkish Kütahya Pottery Hand Painted Wall Plate Iznik Style, Artist Signed 1950s
By Iznik Pottery
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Kütahya Ceramic Wall Plate Iznik Style, Artist Signed Elevate your space with this hand-painted vintage Turkish cer...
Ceramic
$350Sale Price / set|64% Off
H 5 in Dm 5.75 in
Japanese Studio Pottery Candle Holders, Ceramic, Rimmed Design, 1930
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Japanese pair studio pottery candle holders Marked Japan.
Ceramic
$2,495 / set
H 37 in Dm 12.5 in
Pair Monumental Antique Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Pottery Vases Stands 1900
Located in Portland, OR
A fine pair of monumental antique Japanese Satsuma vases with stands, circa 1900. The vases having an ivory background and are finely gilded & handpainted with enamels of Samurai wa...
Pottery
Monumental Chinese Sancai Glazed Pottery Ming Warrior Figure Statue
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, large and most impressive antique Chinese pottery figure, modeled as a powerful Ming Dynasty style warrior, standing ready holding a spear, this monumental scale statue features rich detail and elaborate ornamentation throughout, finished on all sides, executed in traditional Sancai-glaze palette, standing raised on a rectangular double lotus platform base. China, early 20th century. - Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 53.5" Tall, 23" Wide, 16" Deep Figural work only (without base) 42.5" Tall, 18.5" Wide, 12" Deep - Professional Shipping / In-home "white-glove" hand delivery service. No Fedex/UPS Ground or Ltl freight. Depending on your location, our trusted third-party shipping partners availability, schedule, route, weather, etc...please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. Average is typically two or three weeks. - Condition Report: Good original unrestored antique condition with desirable patina and typical small scattered chips, nicks and minor losses, mainly to base. Wear commensurate with age, use and handling. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Attractive appearance. Presents splendidly As photographed - please be sure to carefully inspect each photo to judge the condition for yourself -- This visually striking ancient Chinese warrior sculpture is sure to add a touch of authentic cultural interest and sophistication, bold dramatic presence, subdued colorful warmth, and rich historical depth to any space! Keywords: Chinese ceramics porcelain earthenware terracotta antique Asian art Temple sculpture Ming Dynasty culture foo dog guardian lion mask winged dragon roof tile...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery, Terracotta
Wall Hanging Ceramic Sculpture of a Mask
Located in Hudson, NY
This wall hanging sculpture of a mask was part of the Japanese exhibition in the 1970 World's Fair in Osaka and was made by artist, Taro Okamoto (1911-199...
Ceramic
Japanese Studio Pottery Tenmoku Tea Bowl / Chawan
By Shoji Hamada
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wheel-thrown studio pottery tea bowl featuring a dark brown to charcoal tenmoku-style glaze with subtle olive undertones and visible throwing rings. The bowl has an organic asymmetri...
Ceramic
$6,500 / set
H 9 in Dm 16 in
Exceptional Monumental Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Bowl, Attrib. Kinkozan Studio
By Kinkozan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional Monumental Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Bowl with Original Carved Hardwood Stand, Attributed to the Kinkozan Studio, Two Pieces, Satsuma Bowl & Carved Hardwood Stand An e...
Pottery
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
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
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
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