23549 KURODA Tatsuaki (5 large flat bowls made of lacquered zelkova wood)

Height 12.8cm Diameter 14.4cm

Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Kuroda Tatsuaki established his own profound style by making full use of lacquer arts such as dry lacquer and mother-of-pearl in addition to woodworking such as carving and joinery, 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 wiped lacquer, but this work, which makes use of the beautiful wood grain like a design, has a brilliance that is not inferior to works of gold lacquer, and is truly a fine art and craft that will be passed down to future generations. Although Tatsuaki did not study under a specific teacher, he was nurtured by a rich tradition and a rich circle 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 the 1940s, he blossomed into originality while learning from previous examples. From the 1930s to the 1940s, he perfected his lacquer woodworking at exhibitions of traditional Japanese crafts, and reached a unique level with his works using Mexican abalone, which he named Yogai.