Shimizu Uichi 清水 卯一 Japanese, 1926-2004

In the landscape of mid-20th century Japan, two significant sculptural ceramic movements, Sodeisha and Shikokai, emerged concurrently during the post-war period. Dai Ichi Arts is thrilled to present a landmark exhibition this March that illuminates the richness of these historical movements, offering a distinctive lens through which to explore "Post-war" ceramics from Japan.

This exhibition unveils a curated collection of masterpieces by renowned artists integral to the Shikokai and Sodeisha canon in Japanese ceramic art history. Among the luminaries featured are Hayashi Yasuo, Suzuki Osamu, Kumakura Junkichi, Yagi Kazuo, Yamada Hikaru, Fujimoto Yoshimichi, and other influential figures that defined this pivotal period in Japanese ceramic art. Exhibition catalog features new essays by Kazuko Todate (Art Critic/Member of the International Academy of Ceramics & former a chief curator of Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, Japan) & Daniel McOwan (Scholar and Curator of Japanese Art).

“Living National Treasure” is a popular term for the title, Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (重要無形文化財保持者). The honors began in 1947, when Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs created the system in order to preserve cultural or artistic skill sets, a piece of heritage that is “intangible”. Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to present a group exhibition of the exceptional works of Japan’s ceramic Living National Treasures, on the occasion of March Asia Week 2023. “Intangible Heritage: The Art of Japan’s Living National Treasures” shows the modern masters in a new light. From porcelain to stoneware; from celadon to iron glazes, expect a stunning range of ceramic techniques. The artists showcased are pioneers and leaders of their respective craft, whose legacies continue to inspire around the world.

List of Artists featured: ● SHIMIZU Uichi 清水 卯一（b.1926-2004) Designated LNT in 1985 ● KONDO Yuzo 近藤悠三 (b.1902-1985) Designated LNT in 1977 ● TOKUDA Yasokichi Ⅲ 3代 徳田八十吉 (b.1933-2009) Designated LNT in 1997 ● HAMADA Shoji 濱田庄司 (b.1894 - 1978) Designated LNT in 1955 ● NAKAJIMA Hiroshi 中島宏 (b.1941-2018) Designated LNT in 2007 ● FUJIWARA Yu 藤原雄 (b.1932- 2001) Designated LNT in 1996 ● HARA Kiyoshi 原 清 (b.1936) Designated LNT in 2005 ● MATSUI Kosei 松井康成 (b.1927-2003) Designated LNT in 1993 ● TAMURA Koichi 田村耕一 (1918-1987) Designated LNT in 1986 ● SHIMAOKA Tatsuzo 島岡達三 (b.1919-2007) Designated LNT 1996 ● YOSHITA Minori 吉田美統 (b.1932) Designated LNT in 2001 ● INOUE Manji 井上萬二 (b. 1929) Designated LNT in 1995 ● ISEZAKI Jun 伊勢崎淳 (b.1936) Designated LNT in 2004 ● KATO Takuo 加藤卓夫 (1917-2005) Designated LNT in 1995 ● IMAIZUMI Imaemon XIII 十三代今泉今右衛門 (b.1926-2001) Designated LNT in 1989 ● MIWA Kyusetsu XI 十一代 三輪休雪(b.1910-2012) Designated LNT in 1983 ● TOMIMOTO Kenkichi富本憲吉 (b.1886-1963) Designated LNT in 1955 ● SUZUKI Osamu 鈴木蔵 (b. 1934) Designated LNT in 1994