12th Generation Tarouemon Nakazato [Muan]
Born in 1895. Died in 1985. Born in Saga Prefecture. Graduated from the special course of Saga Prefectural Arita Technical High School in 1914. In 1927, he took on the name Tarouemon 12th. Around 1929, he began investigating old Karatsu kiln sites, and devoted himself to research based on old kiln sites and pottery fragments. In 1955, he was recognized as a holder of the intangible cultural property record for Karatsu ware. In the same year, he was selected for the 2nd Traditional Crafts Exhibition for the first time, and has been active in the exhibition ever since. In 1965, he restored and built a split-bamboo climbing kiln from the early days of Karatsu ware, and worked to preserve Karatsu ware techniques. In 1969, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class. In the same year, he handed over the title of Tarouemon 13 to his eldest son, and took the name Muan. In 1976, he was recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Karatsu ware.
