We will deliver “a warm time and space” to the world through Bizen ware.

English (United States)
日本語

ARTIST

Kenji Takenaka

1957: He was born in Okayama city.
1988: He studied under Jun Isezaki who was designated as Living National Treasure. He received a prize in the Issuikai exhibition.
1989: He received a prize in the molding exhibition of the tea ceremony at the Tanabe Museum of Art. (After that he was awarded the prize 4 more times.) He received a prize in the Asahi ceramic art exhibition. He received the Encouragement Prize in the Okayama art exhibition. (After that he was awarded the Encouragement Prize 2 more times.) He received a Sanyo Newspaper Publisher Prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in the Chugoku Area.
1990: He received a Prize of Prefecture in Okayama art exhibition. (After that he was awarded the Prize of Prefecture 2 more times.) He received a prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition at Chugoku Area. (After that he was awarded the prize 5 more times.)
1991: He received a prize in Okayama art exhibition. (After that he was awarded the prize 6 more times.) He publicly received a prize in Yakishime Pottery exhibitions.
1993: He make hole and semi-underground type kiln in Kibi chuo-cho, Okayama.
1994: Fired kiln for the first time.
1995: He received a Mayor Okayama Prize in Okayama art exhibition. He held a private exhibition at Kurodatouen Ginza. ( After that it was held 6 times.)
1997: He held a private exhibition in studio Ikuko. (After that it was held 1 more time.) He received a prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. ( After that he was awarded the prize 1 more time.)
1998: He held a private exhibition at the Tenmaya in Okayama.
2000: He held a private exhibition at the Bizen Gallery Aoyama. (After that it was held 4 more times.)
2005: He submitted to the Japan and France modern Ceramic Art Exhibition. 2006 He held a private exhibition at Bunkindo.
2007: He held a private exhibition at the Gallery Tosei.(After that it was held 2 more times.)
2008: He held a private exhibition at the Gallery Matsuyama.
2010: He held a private exhibition at Mitsukoshi in Nagoya.
2011: He received a Sanyo Newspaper Publisher Prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition of the Chugoku Area. He received a special award of Prefecture in Okayama Art Exhibition.
2012: He received a Mayor Okayama Prize in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition at Chugoku Area.
2013: He joined in the Japanese Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition of the Chugoku Area and this allowed him to regain his confidence.

Many other private exhibitions are held in various regions.

The Opportunity to Become a Bizen ware Artist

“Could I make jewelry with soil” In that thought process I wanted a hint and checked about Bizen ware, and I was attracted by Bizen ware itself when I was a jewelry designer.
I did not really like the quiet Bizen ware when I was young. However I related to the many modern formations that “Bizen ware
has such a molding-like view of the world. I seem to be able to do an interesting thing in traditional crafts.” I have ventured into the world of Bizen for the first time.

Policy

Choose by see the products themselves, not the just the names of the famous.

Ceramics making

I acquired various experiences while over observing Bizen ware, and it came to be technically possible to do it, it makes me think increasingly that it was fun. I want to express something stimulating and impressive with clay for the viewer.

Future

I’d like Bizen ware to go around the world. I want to absorb a variety of things and express my world based on Bizen ware. I made many sharp and aggressive works, but want to make more work which softens and makes the heart feel at ease, and also soothing works in the future.

Message

The world of “Wabi and Sabi” and Japanese culture including delicate sensitivity with warmth. Bizen ware is the same, it has subtle rich atmosphere. I want others to feel the uniqueness of our world in the earthy scent.