Taroemon Nakazato (provisional)
Ceramic Career
1957: Born as the eldest son of the 13th generation Taroemon Nakazato.
1979: Graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Musashino Art University.
1981: Completed graduate studies at the same university.
1983: Began working in ceramics at Taroemon Kiln.
1984: First selected for the 16th Nitten Exhibition with *Karatsu Blue-Green Vessel with Handles, “Shell Green.”*
1990: Won the Special Award at the 22nd Nitten Exhibition for *Fired Ceramics Jar ’90.*
Received the Governor’s Award and Eitake Takeshi Award at the 40th Saga Prefecture Exhibition for *Fired Ceramics Jar.*
1991: Awarded the Saga Shimbun Cultural Encouragement Prize.
2000: Received the Saga Bank Cultural Foundation New Artist Award.
2002: Succeeded the name as the 14th Taroemon Nakazato.
2003: Selected for the 50th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition with *Karatsu Fired Ceramics Jar.*
From 2003 to 2016, selected eight times.
2006: Honored to present to Emperor and Empress a visit to the Tojinmachi Kiln, a National Historical Site.
Presented *Karatsu Blue-Green Vessel* to Their Majesties from Saga Prefecture.
2007: Became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association.
2010: Appointed Vice Chairman of the Saga Prefecture Pottery Association.
2011: Awarded the Karatsu City Service Merit Award and the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.
2020: Opened the Teabowl Kiln Memorial Museum within the Taroemon Nakazato Kiln grounds.
This exhibition presents the rare and precious works of the 14th generation Taroemon Nakazato, part of the Karatsu pottery tradition that has continued since the 16th century. Karatsu pottery is renowned for its elegant depictions of flowers, birds, and nature, characterized by a simplicity and depth that embodies the essence of earth.
At the center of the display is the current generation’s tea bowl, *Karatsu Oku Goryeo Tea Bowl,* alongside his father’s 13th-generation work, *Karatsu Mishima Inlaid Peony Design Tea Bowl,* and his grandfather’s 12th-generation work, *Karatsu Brush Stroke Celadon Tea Bowl* and *Karatsu Brush Stroke Celadon Flower Design Water Jar.* On both sides of the display are two hanging scrolls by Nichirabo, the artist brother of the 5th-generation master.
This collaboration of traditional beauty and contemporary art aligns perfectly with the theme of living in the present.
