Gendaimono

Gendaimono (現代物) is a Japanese term used to describe items that are produced in the modern era, rather than antiques. The exact meaning and time frame vary by context, but it generally refers to objects made in the latter half of the 20th century up to the present, rather than those regarded as traditional or historical.

The term is used across markets and disciplines, including antiques shops, galleries, auctions, and museums. It covers a wide range of media such as pottery and ceramics, metalwork, lacquerware, woodwork, glass, textiles, furniture, and contemporary design objects. In some contexts, gendaimono can include mass-produced pieces from a specific period as well as one-of-a-kind works by living or recently active artists.

In appraisal and valuation, gendaimono are typically distinguished from ko-mono (old objects) or antique categories. Valuation depends on factors such as maker reputation, quality of craftsmanship, historical significance, rarity, and condition. Because the period is relatively recent, provenance and documentation may play a larger role in authentication and price than in traditional antiques.

Gendaimono sits alongside related concepts such as modern crafts (現代工芸) and contemporary art (現代美術). While related, these terms emphasize different aspects—functional craftsmanship, artistic practice, or design identity—whereas gendaimono functions as a market label for modern-era objects within a broad spectrum of media and styles.