Two unprecedented Japanese ceramic exhibitions now taking place far from Japan's shores show just how influential are the artistic ripples from this grand potting paradise. Distanced by centuries, but just a dozen New York City blocks, are two of the greatest Japanese definers of clay: eclectic Furuta Oribe (1543/4-1615) is uptown, while earthy Isamu Noguchi (1904-88) is in a snug venue downtown.

"Turning Point: Oribe and The Arts of Sixteenth-Century Japan" is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Japan Society is hosting "Isamu Noguchi and Modern Japanese Ceramics: A Close Embrace of the Earth." Both exhibitions run till Jan. 11 and both highlight masterpieces that make the trip from Tokyo well worth it (or if time or money don't permit, then at least take the time to contact relatives and friends a little closer to NYC to alert them to this rare chance).

The Oribe exhibition is about how different artistic genres and foreign cultural influences met and meshed together to create the style we know as Oribe. Such pottery is characterized by its asymmetrical forms, lively designs and whimsical charm. Odd, then, that it was born out of the somber mood of wabi tea ware that emphasized symmetrical forms, such as Raku tea bowls, and more somber color schemes.