Yoshiaki Yamada

• Category
  Ceramics
• Techniques
  Overglaze enamel
• Born
  1948 -
• Based in
  Ishikawa
• Membership
  Full member, Japan Kogei Association
  Adviser of the Souzou Bijutsukai
  Member of the Ishikawa Prefecture Ceramic Art Society
  Traditional Craftsman

About the Artist

Artist Infusing New Breath into Kutani Ware

While carrying on the tradition of Kutani ware, ceramic artist Yoshiaki Yamada charms many people with his artwork incorporating a contemporary sense. He adds his original neutral colors to the bright five colors of Kutani ware and creates artwork that makes a gentle and warm atmosphere. One of the greatest charms of his work is the delicate depictions of plants and animals drawn with his excellent drawing skills. The lively brush strokes that make them look as if they are alive soothes the hearts of those see it. His techniques and style have been highly evaluated and his artwork has been purchased by the Imperial Household Agency etc.

Style

I think of the design based on my sketches while making use of the white space. The designs of plants and flowers all come from my sketches. Making use of the white space is quite difficult, and it takes much time to think of the layout. As the overglaze enamel painting is the most important part in Kutani ware, I have always kept my style of sketching, thinking of the design, and finally completing the overglaze enamel painting.

Biography

• 1948
  Born in Terai Town, Ishikawa Prefecture
• 1974
  Studied under Tsuyoshi Yamachika of the Souzou Bijutsukai
• 1975
  Selected for the 28th Fine Art Exhibition Souzouten (selected consecutively from this year onward)
  Studied under the late Taizan Takegoshi
• 1978
  Selected for the 1st Traditional Kutani Ware Art Crafts Exhibition (selected consecutively from this year onward)
• 1981
  Recommended as a member of the Souzou Bijutsukai
• 1982
  Selected for the 29th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 1985
  Recommended as Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
• 1994
  Solo exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi (held 9 times from this year onward)
• 1999
  Designated as Traditional Craftsman
• 2002
  Selected for the 48th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition, artwork purchased by the Imperial Household Agency
• 2008
  Solo exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi (in commemoration of 60th birthday)
• 2011
  Becomes Representative of the Souzou Bijutsukai (– 2015)
• 2016
  "Nine-pointed Bowl with Chinese Smilax Design in Overglaze Enamel" submitted to the 63rd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition purchased bt the Imperial Household Agency (artwork purchased 6 times)
• 2017
  Submitted the "Nonagonal Bowl with Wild Grape Design" to the "Wild - In Line with the Theme of Utakai Hajime” Exhibition at the Jingu Art Museum, dedicated artwork to Ise JIngu
• 2018
  Solo exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi (in commemoration of 70th birthday)
  Solo exhibition at Midorigaoka Art Museum in Ikoma, Nara (A Challenge from the Age of 70)
  Designated as Member of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani Ware Technique Preservation Association
• 2020
  Received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays at the Spring Imperial Conferment of Decorations
• 2023
  Featured on the Nomi City official website

Awards

• 1983
  Received the Excellence Award at the 6th Traditional Kutani Ware Art Crafts Exhibition
• 1986
  Received the Members Award at the Fine Art Exhibition Souzouten
• 1990
  Received the Incentive Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1998
  Received the Governor of Tokyo Award at the Fine Art Exhibition Souzouten
• 2005
  Received the Hokkoku Shimbun Award at the Traditional Kutani Ware Art Crafts Exhibition
  Received the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the New Works Ceramics Exhibition (Japan Kōgei Association)
• 2007
  Received the MEXT Award at the 68th Fine Art Exhibition Souzouten
• 2010
  Received the Incentive Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2016
  Received the Grand Award at the Traditional Kutani Ware Art Crafts Exhibition
• 2018
  Received the Grand Award at the Traditional Kutani Ware Art Crafts Exhibition
• 2021
  Recieved the Nomi City Special Achievement Award
• 2022
  Received the Governor Award at the Hokuriku Fine Art Exhibition Souzouten