Ako Takahashi

Style

Various expressions are possible with lost-wax casting. I try to seek new ways of expressing that can only be done with wax by stretching, breaking, twisting and burning the wax.

Biography

• 1947
  Born in Miyagi Prefecture
• 1979
  Studied under wax sculptor Reiho Kamo
• 1981
  Selected for the 10th Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 1982
  Took part in the ”Bonsho (Temple Bell)" techniques successors training program by Important Intangible Cultural Property, Masahiko Katori (up to 1985)
• 1983
  Selected for the 13th Metalworks Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
  Selected for the 30th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 1986
  Becomes Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
• 2003
  Took part in the "casting" successors training program by Important Intangible Cultural Property, Akira Saito (up to 2004)
• 2022
  Designated as Intangible Cultural Property of Kyoto

Awards

• 1981
  Received the Kinki Branch manager Award at the 10th Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1985
  Received the Nikkei Incentive Award at the 14th Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1986
  Received the Asahi Shimbun Award at the 16th Metalworks Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1991
  Received the Nikkei Incentive Award at the 20th Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2014
  Received the Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center Award at the 43rd Metalworks Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2018
  Received the Incentive Award at the 65th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2021
  Received the Tokyo Governor Award at the 68th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition