23408 Kuroda Tatsuaki (Large lacquer bowl)

Height (11.2cm) Diameter (15.0cm)

Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Utilizing lacquer arts such as dry lacquer and mother-of-pearl in addition to woodworking such as carving and joinery, Kuroda Tatsuaki established his own profound style and was designated a Living National Treasure in 1970 (Showa 45) for his "woodworking" work. This is a simple vessel made of zelkova wood with lacquer applied, but this piece, which makes use of the beautiful wood grain as a design, has a brilliance that is not inferior to works of gold lacquer, and is truly a work of art that will be passed down to future generations.

Although Tatsuaki did not study under a specific teacher, he was nurtured by a wealth of tradition and a rich network of friends, and through his encounters with Kawai Kanjiro and Yanagi Muneyoshi in particular, he played a part in the early Mingei movement in the early Showa period. From the 1930s to 1940s, he blossomed into a creative individual while learning from previous examples. From the 1950s to 1960s, he perfected his lacquer woodworking at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and reached a unique realm with his work using Mexican abalone, which he named Yogai. While bowls with five or six bowls are common, this large bowl with a box is extremely rare.