Osamu Suzuki Exhibition （Higashine Art Museum）

Osamu Suzuki Exhibition

Finished

Artists

Osamu Suzuki

Osamu Suzuki (b. 1934) is a leading Japanese ceramic artist and the second person to be designated a “Living National Treasure” (Important Intangible Cultural Property) in the Shino pottery tradition, following Toyozo Arakawa (1894-1985).

Born in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Suzuki began his journey into ceramics working as an assistant to his father, who worked at Marusaki Toen in Tajimi City, Ichinokura Town. Suzuki formally pursued the craft of pottery and established his own studio in 1966 at the age of 31. He challenged the tradition of Shino ware, which was thought to be only achievable with wood-fired kilns, by using a gas kiln. He developed his unique style of pottery while respecting nature and upholding tradition.

Suzuki believes that “Shino possesses a unique and wonderful Japanese aesthetic” and has maintained his stance of creating works that are “new and powerful,” expressing the sensibilities of ancient Japanese people through contemporary pieces.

In 2024, marking his 88th birthday, this exhibition will showcase a comprehensive collection of Suzuki’s work, from his early pieces to his most recent creations. It will reflect the unique characteristics of Osamu Suzuki's aesthetic, which mirrors the importance of classical traditions from the Momoyama period, presenting both his artistic journey and his current work.