Treasures of Old Times

Sajiro Tanaka (b. 1937) Karatsu Kawakujira (whale-skin) Chawan


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Directory: Artists: Ceramics: Pottery: Bowls: Pre 2000: Item # 1483783

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Treasures of Old Times
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39 Charansanitwong rd, Bangkok
Bangkok noi, 10700, Thailand


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The mark of the artist is carved on base.

Size
Height 9.3cm
Width 12.9cm


In excellent condition
Supplied with signed wooden box


Born in the vibrant city of Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka in 1937, Sajiro Tanaka emerged as a shining star in the realm of ceramics through a lifelong devotion to his craft.

In 1971, seeking a profound spiritual awakening, he embarked on a transformative pilgrimage to the venerable Eihei Temple, known for its sanctity and wisdom. Here, amidst the hallowed halls, the seeds of Tanaka's deep-rooted connection to Zen Buddhism were sown. Concurrently, he immersed himself in the delicate work of unearthing and restoring ancient Karatsu ceramic artifacts. This practice would later come to define his artistic identity.

The pivotal year of 1975 witnessed a harmonious convergence of Tanaka's spiritual and artistic pursuits. Bestowed with the revered Buddhist name "Zenkai Hogetsu" by the venerable Zen master Reirin Yamada, Tanaka's identity became intrinsically woven with his spiritual journey. Simultaneously, he laid the cornerstone for a rising kiln on the sacred grounds of Handa Joraku-ji—a momentous endeavor that would shape the trajectory of his craft.

In 1979, it was a moment of artistic destiny when Tanaka's path intertwined with that of Kato Tokuro, the maestro of Shino pottery. This meeting, steeped in the essence of Zen, marked a pivotal encounter that would resonate through their shared craft.

In 1987, amidst the serene heights, 700 meters above sea level, Tanaka raised his magnum opus - the "Yamase" kiln. Here, amid the clouds, he forged countless masterpieces, each firing an echo of nature's majesty—an altar to his unwavering commitment to the art of pottery.

The year 1994 heralded a quantum leap onto the global stage, as Tanaka's creations graced the galleries of New York in a solo exhibition of unparalleled artistry, a testament to his international acclaim.

His quest for artistic enlightenment took him across borders. In 1996, he journeyed to Korea, unearthing the secrets of Korean ceramics in the historic crucible of the Da Ming kiln in Sancheong—an exploration that enriched his artistic palette.

In 2003, a new chapter unfurled in his storied career, as the "Kizan" rising kiln took form in Ulsan, a gift from the generous hand of Mr. Kim Tein—a symbol of cross-cultural artistic exchange.

In 2009, his artistic voyage returned to the heart of Korea, with a solo exhibition that resonated with both connoisseurs and novices alike, a testament to the universal language of art.

The year 2011 brought a culmination of his artistic legacy, with a solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi. Here, amidst the dynamic pulse of Tokyo, his creations stood as a testament to a lifetime of mastery—a legacy destined to endure through the annals of time. Sajiro Tanaka's life is an eloquent fusion of spiritual profundity and artistic brilliance, a journey that continues to inspire and enrapture audiences worldwide.