Ichihime Nakamura

About the Artist

Carving the Warmth of Stone: A New Form of Akama Stone

After studying geology at university, Ichihime Nakamura became fascinated by the modeled beauty of traditional Akama inkstones and studied under Nobuo Horio, a holder of Intangible Cultural Property designated by Yamaguchi Prefecture. Using beautifully colored Akama stone quarried around Ube City, she brings out the smooth texture and soft curves of the stone through painstaking handwork. Highly acclaimed for her meticulous craftsmanship—including works with delicate forms inspired by motifs such as plant seeds—she received the Japan Kōgei Association New Artist Award at the 73rd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. She continues to pursue elegant inkstones that harmonize with modern life while preserving traditional techniques.

Biography

• 1986
  Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture
• 2009
  Studied under Nobuo Horio, Holder of Intangible Cultural Property of Yamaguchi Prefecture for Akama Inkstones
• 2012
  Selected for the 47th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 2023
  Selected for the 70th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition and 29th Various Works Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time

Awards

• 2012
  Asahi Shimbun Social Welfare Organization Award, 47th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2014
  Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting Award, 49th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2015
  Asahi Shimbun Social Welfare Organization Award, 50th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2024
  Nagasaki Culture Telecasting Corporation (NCC) Award, 58th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  Shimonoseki Arts and Culture Promotion Encouragement Award
• 2026
  Japan Kōgei Association New Artist Award, 73rd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  Asahi Shimbun Incentive Award, 49th Yamaguchi Traditional Kōgei Exhibition