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.
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
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
$1,400
H 19 in W 19 in D 1.5 in
Exquisite Vintage Persian Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile Wall Hanging - 19”x 19”x 1.5
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Immerse your space in the timeless beauty of the East with this stunning Persian ceramic tile wall hanging. This captivating piece, showcases nine individually hand-painted tiles m...
Metal
$4,250
H 33.25 in W 25 in D 3 in
"Samson and the Lion, " Large, Rare Art Deco Sculptural Panel with Tile Mosaic
By Valentin Shabaeff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A tour de force example of Art Deco wall sculpture, this depiction of Samson slaying the lion was made by Valentin Shabaeff, a Russian-Canadian artist who settled in Montreal. Shabae...
Ceramic
$10,000
H 0.88 in Dm 9.5 in
1940s Pablo Picasso Abstract Face Black Plate B Visage Noir Devil Madoura Ramie
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Black face service plate, glazed white earthenware, painted in colors; white, orange, and deep greys. Made in 1948, from an edition of 100, inscribed 'EDITION PICASSO' and 'B', with ...
Stoneware
Sculpture Form No_002 by AOAO
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculpture form no_002 by AOAO Dimensions: W 37 x D 4 x H 47 cm Materials: plaster Color options available upon request. The idea was born after deciding to reconnect with my family and my grandfather – a sculptor artist. Learning to sculpt and being a designer compelled me to combine these two mediums and use their best values. Experimenting with the functionality of sculpture and the meaning of furniture led me to create the collection. Studio AOAO is an interdisciplinary studio combining art and design. It was created by Alicja Strzyzynska and Onur Iseri in Amsterdam in 2020. “We specialise in making sculptural pieces by experimenting with the functionality of sculpture and the meaning of furniture. In our works, we focus on the emotional connection between the object and the user. All of our work seeks the experience of intimacy and the metaphysical bond between personal interaction and meaningful narrative. Through sculptural value and reflective design, we aim to create pieces that last for generations and help reduce environmental waste.” The inspiration to sculpt came from Alicja’s roots, her grandfather – an artist sculptor. Alicja completed Masters of Arts Degree in Product and Visual Communication Design at Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts and finished her bachelor degree in Interior Architecture. Alicja previously worked in Tokyo and Amsterdam in architectural design studios. Onur completed his business studies in Japan and worked in digital design & marketing as well as teaching in Tokyo. The studio’s first collection debuted at Rossana Orlandi Gallery during Milan Design Week 2021. The studio currently collaborates with RO Gallery...
Plaster
New York Mural by Olivia Cognet
By Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
New York Mural by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: D 5 x W 110 x H 40 cm Materials: Ceramic. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of art, the snapshot of a precious moment...
Ceramic
Hand Painted Ceramic Star Wall Hanging
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional ceramic wall hanging hand painted and glaze with colorful motif of warrior riding on a horse, surrounded with beautiful floral border. Could hang on the wall. The tile ...
Ceramic
$599 / set
H 6 in W 4 in D 1 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Pockets with Harlequin Mask Alien Faces
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of wall pockets are sculptures are marked by an unknown maker, but originated from Japan and date to approximately 1940 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The...
Ceramic
"Nude with Cape, " Large and Important Bas Relief Panel by Mayodon
By Jean-Leon Mayodon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This large, unique sculptural panel demonstrates, in a bold and dramatic way, Jean Mayodon's fascination with the classical nude, interpreted of course in a modern way. Mayodon was o...
Ceramic
Rare Art Deco Ceramics Panel by René Buthaud
By René Buthaud
Located in Bridgewater, CT
René Buthaud (1886-1986). "Amphitrite", a ceramic low relief depicting the Greek mythological sea-goddess as a young girl riding a sea horse ...
Ceramic
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Plate with Two Clowns, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This is a glazed ceramic plate depicting two clown with two contrasting behaviors, which gives the scene a poetic narrative full of s...
Ceramic
$663
H 7.76 in W 9.73 in D 0.79 in
Vintage Pyriform Glazed Ceramic Plate by Otello Rosa for San Polo, Italy
By San Polo, Otello Rosa
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Venice, Italy, 1950s. This is a ceramic plate pyriform glazed by Otello Rosa for San Polo, Venezia, depicting two cats. This panel is vintage, therefore it might show slight...
Ceramic
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in W 5 in D 0.75 in
"Nude Shepherd Playing Pipes, " Unique Art Deco Sculptural Panel, 1940
By Jolan Cser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Somehow naively charming and sophisticated at the same time, this pierced sculptural panel by Jolan Cser, a Hungarian artist, depicts a nude shepherd youth playing the pipes, accompa...
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