We are pleased to introduce Japanese traditional sophisticated crafts, such as Arita-ware (Imari) and Hakata dolls. Those high-grade works are all carefully handmade by famous artists. Process making, History and it’s Master
Seiroku Nakamura
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Seiroku NAKAMURA Biography
"Pureness", maybe it is the best word to describe his work.
Porcelain which was created as imitation of Chinese jewelry "Jade" was a creature for only blue blood. Because of this purpose, white porcelain was said as the top of porcelain. However, porcelain is made from several minerals and rocks, so it was, and also it is still difficult to create, the some minerals make spots on the surface of porcelain. To hide these spots, porcelain was painted on its surface.
"Simplified", maybe another best word to express his creature.
Because, the colour is white as snow, the shape of porcelain is could not be hidden, even the whiteness stand out the shape. Master Seiroku Nakamura creates his works with lathe using his small hands and some bamboo tools. The looking of his making process is just amazing. He takes a lump of porcelain clay, then the clay change its shape change to vase, bowl, or incense burner on his lathe. He told us "material, techniques, and mentality: the mixture of these three elements create it's shape, and it is alter ego".
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1916 | Born in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan |
| 1951 | Prized the 1st position at the Porcelain Forming Technique Competition of Saga Prefecture | |
| 1970 | Exhibit at the Japan World Exposition at Osaka | |
| 1974 | Granted membership of the Japan Trsaaitional Crafts Association | |
| 1976 | Granted membership of the Issuikai | |
| 1977 1 | Designated as "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare | |
| 1979 | Designated as the first "traditional craftsperson" by the Traditional Craft Industry Office | |
| 1980 | Awarded "Medal with Yellow Ribbon" from the Japanese Government | |
| 1983 | Awarded "the Minister of Education Prize" at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition | |
| 1985 | Awarded the Prize by the Minister of Economy and Industry at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition | |
| 1986 | Appointed as the Chairman of Japan Traditional Craftsperson's Association | |
| 1987 | Awarded the Art and Cultural Testimonial of Saga Prefecture | |
| 1990 |
Designated as "the Living Treasure" of Saga Prefecture Awarded "the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prize" at the International Ceramic Exhibition・ | |
| 1991 | Demonstrated throwing kick wheel at the Japan Traditional Crafts Special Exhibition in Paris | |
| 1991 |
Demonstrated throwing kick wheel at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition of the 100th anniversary of the UK/Japan alliance Awarded "the Prize of Chairman of Japan Broadcast Association" at the Japanes traditional Crafts Competition | |
| 1994 | Awarded "the Prize of the Chairman of NHK" at the 41st Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Art Crafts | |
| 1996 | Awarded "the Prize by the Chief of Bureau of Textile and General Merchandise, Ministry of International Trade and Industry" at the Japanes s traditional Crafts Competition | |
| 2001 | Awarded "the Prize by the Minister of Economy and Industry" at the Japanese traditional Crafts Competition | |
| 2004 | Exhibits at "Arita Contemporary Ceramics from the Home of Japanese Porcelain Exhibition(Germany)"・ |
The Japanese Imperial House
Agency of Cultural Affairs
The National Museum of Modern Art
Treasure Hall of ISE JINGU
The Kyushu Ceramic Museum
The British Museum
Sackler Museum (Harvard University)