A Century of Craft, A Master's Voice

Hiroshi Hatakeyama, a Tokyo Shippo artisan, continues creating original works while adapting to industry changes caused by declining demand and expanding overseas production. Through passing his skills on to his daughter and pursuing new forms of expression, he is working to sustain the future of Tokyo Shippo.

Tokyo Shippo (cloisonné) artisan Hiroshi Hatakeyama, honored as a Contemporary Master Craftsman, speaks about his pride in creating practical works that support everyday life. Through his pursuit of pure white coloration and his original Plique-à-jour techniques, he continues to expand the possibilities of Tokyo Shippo (cloisonné)

Hiroshi Hatakeyama, a Tokyo Shippo artisan, reflects on his journey from a childhood spent playing outdoors to choosing a career in the family cloisonné enamel business. The beauty of the colors revealed after firing and encouragement from his father became the foundation of the path that led him to be recognized as a Master Contemporary Craftsman.

White porcelain is described as an art form that does not allow superficial techniques, and Akihiro Maeta was designated a Living National Treasure through his work. The article covers his reflections after receiving this recognition, his support for younger artisans through a craft village initiative, and his views on the future of traditional crafts.

A pure white porcelain piece won an excellence award at a major ceramics exhibition, bringing attention to Akihiro Maeta’s work. This article explores his expressive approach to white porcelain, the influence of Tottori’s natural environment, and the trial-and-error process behind his signature faceting technique.

After completing a white porcelain jar for his graduation project, Akihiro Maeta established his studio in Tottori City but soon faced a major challenge. This third installment follows his early career as a ceramic artist and his confrontation with the harsh realities he had not realized during university.

Akihiro Maeta became interested in art through his father and began studying ceramics at university. He struggled with wheel-throwing but improved his skills, encountering white porcelain in his third year. Despite its difficulty, he pursued it and created a large porcelain jar as his graduation work.

Ceramics are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and white porcelain stands out among them. Akihiro Maeta, a Living National Treasure, is highly regarded for works that combine pure white texture with refined curved forms.

Living National Treasure Teiji Miyamoto discusses his philosophy of craftsmanship, views on traditional crafts, and messages to younger generations. He emphasizes engaging with materials, the importance of creating for others, gaining diverse experiences, and finding something to devote oneself to.

Teiji Miyamoto, a Living National Treasure, recognized the importance of passing down techniques and teaches at a university. He emphasizes thinking independently, and highlights learning through dialogue and trial and error.

After completing his apprenticeship, Teiji Miyamoto became independent but initially struggled with little work, supporting himself through part-time jobs. While gaining recognition through exhibitions, it took years to establish his own style. The article explores how inspiration from the ripples of Lake Biwa led to his distinctive expression.

The first installment introduced Teiji Miyamoto’s childhood and family background. This article focuses on his encounter with his mentor, Kenkichi Kuroda, and his ten-year live-in, unpaid apprenticeship. It highlights the philosophy of craftsmanship, emphasizing handwork and working in harmony with natural wood.

Japan’s rich forest resources have fostered the development of woodcraft. This article features Teiji Miyamoto, certified as a Living National Treasure in 2023, focusing on his upbringing and the path that led him to pursue woodcraft.

This interview explores the career and philosophy of Living National Treasure Mamoru Nakagawa. It focuses on his metalworking practice, his approach to innovation within tradition, and his efforts to pass on his craft.

The article challenges the fixed idea that traditional crafts must only preserve old techniques, emphasizing the need to pursue contemporary beauty. Mamoru Nakagawa developed a unique style by combining inlay techniques with landscape expressions inspired by overseas experiences and observations of nature.

Living National Treasure Mamoru Nakagawa spoke about the countless failures behind mastering the Kaga Zogan technique. Through repeated experimentation with metal coloring and chemical mixtures, he refined his craftsmanship and learned the importance of thinking beyond conventional values during his apprenticeship years.

Mamoru Nakagawa, a Living National Treasure, described his work as an industrial designer and his training in crafts as far more demanding than one might imagine. Looking back on those days, he reflects that “life is like a full marathon.”

This article features Mamoru Nakagawa, a Living National Treasure and leading figure of Kaga Zogan in Ishikawa. It explores his transition from working at an electronics manufacturer to entering the world of traditional crafts and his evolving philosophy on creation.