Aoki Ryūzan Works Collection
The Aoki Ryūzan Works Collection consists of 62 pieces of ceramic art work by Aoki Ryūzan (1926-2008), owned by the Kyushu Ceramic Museum. He was a member of the Japan Art Academy and received the Order of Cultural Merit in 2005, and left his mark on the Japanese ceramic art world as one of the top ceramic artists in Japan.
In 2009, Aoki Kiyotaka, Ryūzan’s son, donated 61 pieces representative of Ryūzan’s work, covering his work made in the early 1950’s to that made in 2007.
The works were created through his tireless devotion to ceramic activities over the years and the collection contains a diverse range of his work: early pieces that are decorated with underglaze cobalt-blue or overglaze polychrome enamels, white porcelain objects, the Tenmoku glazed ware which was created in his own unique style, as well as picturesque pieces using overglaze polychrome enamel decorations in combination with underglaze cobalt blue.
Short Biography of Aoki Ryuzan
| 1926 (Taisho 15) | Born in Arita, Saga Prefecture. |
|---|---|
| 1943 (Showa 18) | Graduated from the Design and Painting Course, Saga Prefectural Arita Technical High School. |
| 1951 (Showa 26) | Graduated from the Japanese Painting Course, Tama Art University. |
| 1953 (Showa 28) | Started creative ceramic activities. |
| 1954 (Showa 29) | Entered work at and was selected for the Nitten Exhibition (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) for the first time. |
| 1971 (Showa 46) | Awarded the special commendation at the Nitten Exhibition. |
| 1973 (Showa 48) | Awarded the Minister of Education Award at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition. |
| 1981 (Showa 56) | Became a member of the Nitten Exhibition. |
| 1988 (Showa 63) | Awarded his second Minister of Education Award at the Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition. |
| 1991 (Heisei 3) | Awarded the Japan Art Academy Award for his work "Kosanomai" (Dance of Persian Desert) that was entered the 22nd Nitten Exhibition. |
| 1991 (Heisei 3) | Appointed director of the Nitten Exhibition. |
| 1992 (Heisei 4) | Became a member of the Japan Art Academy. |
| 1993 (Heisei 5) | Appointed executive director of the Nitten Exhibition. |
| 1999 (Heisei 11) | Designated as a "Bunkakorosha." (Person of Cultural Merits) |
| 2005 (Heisei 17) | Received the Order of Culture. |
| 2006 (Heisei 18) | Conferred the title of "Honorary Citizen of Arita Town." |
| 2006 (Heisei 18) | Awarded the Saga Prefectural Honor Award. |
| 2008 (Heisei 20) | Passed away on April 23. (age 81) Given Jusanmi. (Junior Third Rank) |
