Los Angeles Exhibit Showcases Ramen Bowl Art

.

What makes a perfect bowl of ramen? For some, it’s the flavorful broth that makes for an enjoyable eating experience. For others, it’s all about the quality of the noodles or the soy sauce-marinated soft-boiled egg on top, known as “ajitsuke tamago” in Japanese. 

However, how often do we give thought to the vessel the meal is served in? There’s the old saying about how “we eat first with our eyes,” and this is fully embraced in Japan House Los Angeles’ (JHLA) new exhibit, “The Art of the Ramen Bowl.” 

.

.

A plastic model of a giant bowl of ramen designed by food replica manufacturer Iwasaki Mokei sits at the entrance of the exhibit. Photo courtesy of Japan House Los Angeles.

At the center of the art exhibit are these porcelain “donburi,” which translates to “bowl” in Japanese. There are 30 bowls on display that are designed by prominent artists such as fashion designer Akira Minagawa and contemporary artist Hisashi Tenmyouya.

“The main display of designer ramen bowls… presents a uniquely Japanese approach to decoration and its placement in everyday ceramics and promotes the idea that utilitarian vessels can also be works of art,” a press release for the exhibit reads. 

The exhibit gives historical background on donburi, explaining how most of them are exported from the Mino Province. Labeled the “Ceramic Valley” in its own section, Mino is known as Japan’s largest producer of ceramics ranging from dishware to tiles. 

According to a wall description near the entrance of the exhibit, “nearly 90 percent of these ramen bowls are produced in the Tono area in the eastern part of Mino in Gifu prefecture, and many have made their way to ramen shops overseas.” 

.

.

An eye-catching ramen bowl designed by Keiichi Tanaami portrays a large spider sitting in a web. Photo courtesy of Japan House Los Angeles. 

One bowl in particular has an interesting story behind its creation. A bowl designed by postwar Japanese pop artist Keiichi Tanaami depicts a colorful, almost grotesque spider with drooping eyes and gaping mouth hanging wide open. 

Inspired by an incident back in college involving a spider falling into his soup and drowning, one can feel Tanaami’s shock and horror when looking at the striking bowl. 

“Traumatized by the experience, he gave up eating ramen altogether; the moment is powerfully conveyed by his vibrant skull-spider,” the press release reads. 

In addition to the detailed descriptions accompanying the art on display in each section, there will be optional tour guides available to guests. 

“We will have guided tours available for guests starting in April, and we always have hospitality staff throughout the Gallery to answer any questions,” a JHLA representative said. 

From now until July 5, “The Art of the Ramen Bowl” will be open to guests between 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. everyday on the second floor of the Japan House Gallery. Admission is free. Guests may also experience “The Art of the Ramen Bowl” virtually via this link. 

.

.

.

Writer: Yuika Yoshida

Yuika’s Portfolio

(4/5/2022)

.

.