Premium works for sale
by Japan's leading artists
At the 44th Japan Bonsai Taikan Exhibition, visitors will be able to purchase works by Japan's leading artists.
Please come and see the works that are usually unavailable.
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- HAKUJU KUISEKO
【Calligrapher】 -
Theme of WorksAlways strive for is to create writing that "when struck, produces a clear, resonant sound, and when cut, drips like water" It is easy to say, but this tactile sensation of the brush is elusive, like a mirage. Seeking the essence of what can be called the source of 'living spirit in the strokes' is something to dedicate for a whole life to pursuing.
Born in Morimachi, Shizuoka Prefecture in 1934. Graduated from the Department of Fine Arts (majoring in calligraphy) at Kyoto University of Arts and Sciences. Studied under Santo Murakami. Aspires to create calligraphy that is calm and composed by incorporating ancient meaning, elegance, and simplicity with his own creativity. He advocates "calligraphy that produces a pleasant sound when struck and drips water when cut." Received the Japan Art Academy Award in 2008. Honorary and special member of the Nitten Exhibition (former judge).
- HAKUJU KUISEKO
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- YUICHI IKAI
【Kihee-gama】 -
Theme of WorksBonsai is the ultimate expression of Japanese perceptions of nature and aesthetics, condensed into a human-made beauty that also encompasses a worldview extending into the infinite universe beyond. It evokes a sense of a time axis that far transcends the lifespan of a single human being. 'Ceramics' exist at the boundary between this space and time and the present reality of 'now.' It is to fuse together 'clay,' born from unimaginable periods of time and changes in the earth, and 'ash,' from trees that have fulfilled their purpose after growing over many years to create with a mindful heart.
Born in Kyoto in 1963. Graduated from the Ceramics Department of the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Training School in 1983. Studied under "Living National Treasure" Uichi Shimizu and opened the Kihee-gama (kiln). Apprenticed under Yasutaka Shimizu . His work focuses on ash glaze and celadon, producing a wide range of pieces including jars, flower vases, sake cups, plates, and tea bowls. His ash glaze works are characterized by the emerald green glaze that pools in the base of tea bowls and natural crackling. In 2001, Yuichi Ikai received the Kinki Prize (the highest award) at the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition.
- YUICHI IKAI
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- MICHIHISA INOUE
【Somei-gama】 -
Theme of WorksWith a focus on the sharp lines inherent in porcelain and the generous forms created by the potter's wheel, primarily work with celadon and white porcelain. And also creating pieces named 'Fūun Seihakuji' (Celadon of Wind and Clouds), which express the blue sky appearing between the clouds after rain, known as 'Ukatensei' (Clear Sky After the Rain). Given the simplicity of the glaze, Placing particular emphasis on the form when shaping each piece.
Born in 1985 in Kyoto as the eldest son of ceramic artist Yoshihisa Inoue, and Haruo Inoue as grandfather. After graduating from the Japanese Painting Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kyoto Seika University and the Ceramics Department of the Kyoto Prefectural Advanced Technical School of Ceramic Art, he studied at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology. Held a solo exhibition at Takashimaya Kyoto in 2015 (also in 2018, 2021, and 2024). First selected for the Nitten Exhibition in 2017, and received the Encouragement Prize at the Kyoto Arts and Crafts Association Exhibition in 2019 (also in 2022 and 2024). Appointed part-time lecturer at Kyoto City University of Arts (2019-2023), and in 2023, became a director of the Kyoto Ceramic Association. In 2024, appointed as a part-time lecturer at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology, among other accomplishments."
- MICHIHISA INOUE
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- TAKERU IWATA
【雙楽窯】 -
Theme of WorksThrough the concept of "utsuwa" (vessels), explore a world where opposing elements such as light and shadow, vertical and horizontal, stillness and motion coexist in harmony. This is a world where natural beauty and artificial beauty resonate with each other.
Born in Kyoto in 1979. Graduated from Kyoto Municipal Fushimi Technical High School, Ceramics Department in 1998. Completed the Graduate School of Kyoto Prefectural College of Technology in 2000. Completed the Ceramics Department of Kyoto Municipal Industrial Technology Research Institute in 2001. Joined the family business under Iwata Soraku in 2005. Studied under Yoshitaka Araki in 2006 (until 2014). Exhibited at the "Utsuwa Danshi Exhibition" at Kiyomizu Temple's Kyodo Hall in 2019 (exhibits every year thereafter). Opened "Iwata Takeru Shoten - No Fertilizer, No Pesticide Cultivation" in 2022.
- TAKERU IWATA
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- AKITERU KAWAI
【Nantan-gama】 -
Theme of WorksThe Beauty of Utility
Born in 1975, a grandson of Takekazu Kawai, nephew of renowned ceramic artist Kanjiro Kawai, a leader of the "Mingei" Japanese Folk Crafts Movement. Graduated from the Ceramics Department of the Kyoto Prefectural Advanced Technical School of Ceramic Art in 1995, and from the school's Ceramics Research Department in 1996. In 2000, apprenticed under his father, Toru Kawai. He has inherited the unique style and techniques of 'Kyoyaki Mingei Kiln,' which combines the warmth and practicality of folk crafts, nurtured and elevated by the Kawai family.
- AKITERU KAWAI
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- HIROAKI SHIMIZU
【Rokubey-gama】 -
Theme of WorksLately, I have been focusing on creating vessels with complex expressions by combining various glazes, aiming to craft pieces that can serve not only as tableware but also as art pieces. Through these intricate surfaces, I hope to capture and express the beauty that resides in imperfection.
Born in 1986 in KiyomizuGojo, Kyoto. Graduated in March 2009 from the Faculty of Human Sciences at Osaka University. Graduated in March 2015 and also graduate from the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Training Institute and in March 2016 from the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology. In 2022, held solo exhibitions at the Chiba City Museum of Art, Kyoto Takashimaya Art Craft Salon, and various galleries in the Kansai region. He was selected for the 48th, 49th, 50th, and 52nd Kinki Traditional Craft Exhibitions and the 2022 Itami International Craft Exhibition. Won the Grand Prix at the Kyo-mono Youth Competition 2023 for his work "flat plate kyoto" (created with Wataru Kanaya). His works "Shuran" and "Shutsubo" are part of the public collection at the Chiba City Museum of Art.
- HIROAKI SHIMIZU
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- YOTARO TAKEMURA
【Dainichi-gama】 -
Theme of WorksSpraying vibrant colors such as red and blue over a base of white or black, creating a gradient effect. These colors are inspired by natural scenes like the sky at sunset, clear blue skies, and the ocean. The vertical line patterns represent beams of light filtering through gaps in the clouds. In recent years, I have also been experimenting with color variations using glazes, rather than just colored slips, in my pottery.
Born in 1981 in Yamashina, Kyoto. Graduated in 2009 from the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Training Institute, specializing in forming. While creating vessels day by day, he has also exhibited his works primarily in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and solo exhibitions. In 2011, he was first selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition. In 2017, received the Newcomer Encouragement Award at the 46th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition. He was first selected for the 64th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (and selected twice thereafter). In 2021, won the Excellence Award at the 50th Anniversary Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition. He is an associate member of the Japan Kōgei Association.
- YOTARO TAKEMURA
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- YOSHITAKA TANIGUCHI
【Gafu-gama】 -
Theme of WorksIn Kyoto, a land imbued with the cultural richness of nature, elegant fragrance, and gentle beauty, create something from nothing, using the natural elements of 'stone, earth, water, and fire.' By adding 'spirit' and 'energy,' and using glazes originally blend, Creating works with the theme of 'ancient ruins of the deep sea.' When making tableware, Focusing on harmony with the objects around us, striving to create pieces that fit seamlessly into daily life.
Born in Kyoto in 1979, the grandson of ceramic artist Ryozo Taniguchi and the son of Masanori Taniguchi. Trained at the Kyoto Prefectural Advanced Technical School of Ceramic Art and the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture. In 2005, made his debut at the 27th Japan New Craft Exhibition, where he was selected and received the Japan New Craft Encouragement Prize. And also selected for the Kyoto Exhibition (Kyoten) for the first time. In 2010, he was selected for the Kyoto Art and Craft New Talent Exhibition and received the Governor of Tokyo Award at the 32nd Japan New Craft Exhibition, as well as being selected for the Kyoten. He held a solo exhibition at the Enjudo Gallery Sophora in Kyoto and received 2nd place at the All Kansai Art Exhibition. In 2015, he exhibited in the Rimpa 400th Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition featuring 200 contemporary artists in Japanese painting and crafts. In 2016, he served as a juror for the 38th Japan New Craft Exhibition. In 2020, he became a member of the Nitten Exhibition (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) as a 'Kaiyu' associate member.
- YOSHITAKA TANIGUCHI
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- JOJI NAKAMURA
【G-studio】 -
Theme of WorksJapanese architecture is constantly evolving in the realm of modern architecture. Along with these changes, dining tables, interiors, and vessels also transform as part of this evolution. The vessels I create are designed to align with and reflect the diverse and ever-changing landscape of contemporary architecture.
Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1981. Graduated in 2003 from the Ceramics Department of the Faculty of Arts at Kyoto Seika University, where he studied under Kozo Kawashima and Yoshinobu Kawashima. In 2012, he established G-studio. Actively held solo exhibitions every year, including the "Joji Nakamura Ceramics Exhibition." He has received numerous accolades, including the Kyoto Prefectural Governor's Award at the 24th Craft Art Exhibition (Kyoto Museum of Culture) in 2012, the Kyoto Exhibition Award at the Kyoto Exhibition (Kyoto City Art Museum) in 2013, the Encouragement Award at the 3rd Kansai Exhibition of the Japan Ceramic Society (Kyocera Museum of Art) in 2018, and the Grand Prize at the Future of Kyo-yaki Exhibition '20 (Kyoto Ceramic Art Association) in 2020. His works are part of collections in various institutions, including the World Tile Museum, Honen-in, Ichinokura-Sakazuki Art Museum, and the Faenza International Museum of Ceramics.
- JOJI NAKAMURA
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- TATSUO MORISATO
【Ryuko-gama】 -
Theme of WorksDrawn to the beauty, mystery, allure, splendor, and fleeting nature of flowers, when I face the clay, seeing the source of life in the delicate blooms. I feel the joy of being sustained by the wonders of nature and seek to express with hesitation.
Born in 1963 as the eldest son of Tadao Morisato, a member of the "Sodeisha" a group of ceramicists formed in Kyoto. Graduated from the Ceramics Department of the Kyoto Prefectural Advanced Ceramic Training School in 1984. Studied under Iwao Kato and mastered blue-and-white porcelain. In 1993, he has named his kiln 'Ryuko Kiln.' Since then, he has been active in solo and group exhibitions. Starting in 2019, held solo exhibitions at the Takashimaya Kyoto Art Gallery (also in 2021 and 2024). His work is characterized by blue-and-white porcelain using a uniquely blended gosu (cobalt pigment), colorful glazes, and stylish forms.
- TATSUO MORISATO
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- SHUN YAMAUCHI
【KOHAKU-GAMA】 -
Theme of WorksCreating my works with the theme of "small scenes"—those subtle, lingering images in my mind, like trees and stones found in nature, clouds and shadows, or landscapes I saw as a child. My pieces are designed to blend seamlessly into various spaces while occasionally making a statement. As I create, I imagine the spaces where these vessels will harmonize and come to life.
Born in Kyoto in 1984 and raised in Miyagi Prefecture. Graduated in 2006 from Kyoto Traditional Crafts College, specializing in ceramics, where he studied under Yuichi Inokai. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition in 2008 and again in 2009–2012, 2014–2016, 2018, and 2020. In 2009, he established KOHAKU-GAMA in Higashiyama, Kyoto. In 2012, he was invited to exhibit at the Kyoto Prefectural Art and Craft New Artists Exhibition—2012 Kyoto Art and Craft Biennale—and received the Governor of Akita Prefecture Award at the Kahoku Craft Exhibition the same year (and was selected again in 2014). In 2016, he was selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and in 2022, he received the Newcomer Encouragement Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition.
- SHUN YAMAUCHI