Shimaoka Tatsuzo 島岡達三 1919-2007

If there is one thing that gives Japanese craftspeople almost legendary status, both within and outside Japan, it is their appointment as a ‘Living National Treasure’. This term has become ubiquitous, and endows the awardee with a status that elevates their craft to a formal, nationally recognized level. Strictly speaking, the appointment is officially as ‘Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties’ ( Juyo Mukei Bunkazai Hojisha ). However, the colloquial term is Living National Treasure ( Ningen Kokuhou or LNT) used in Japan and elsewhere. As its correct title suggests,...