A hand forged iron casket with sweeping handle exhibited at the 65th Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition by Sakai Naoki enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Monochrome E no Keifu. It is published on page 128 of the catalog, figure 412. It is 40 x 10 x 18 cm and is in excellent condition.
Naoki says “In the process of shaping each form, the heavy, cold weight of iron is transformed into something altogether opposite. Humanity has always sought not only utility in craft, but also beauty. In responding to this call for beauty, I have discovered the joy of making. This relationship between people and objects has nurtured a profound artistic spirit, and I feel deep joy in being able to situate myself within such an environment as a maker.”
Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1973, the artist completed the doctoral program in metal hammering at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2003, earning a PhD. That same year, he received the Nomura Art Prize, with his work entering the collection of the university’s art museum, and subsequently served as a part-time lecturer there until 2005. From 2005 to 2008 he undertook training at the Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo. He later taught as a part-time lecturer at Kanazawa University (2010–2012) and Kanazawa College of Art (2011–2012). His achievements include the World City Declaration Commemorative Prize at the Kanazawa Craft Exhibition (2010), the Sokeikai Prize at the Japan Traditional Metalwork Exhibition (2012, 2015), the Excellence Award of the Sato Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts (2012), the Semi-Grand Prize at the World Crafts Competition (2013), the Grand Prize and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Tableware Festival (2016), the Asahi Shimbun Prize at the Japan Traditional Metalwork Exhibition (2017), and the First Prize in the Berlin Humboldt Forum Tea Room Design Competition (2018). He is currently Associate Professor in the Craft Course, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tohoku University of Art and Design, and continues his practice between Yamagata and Kanazawa, maintaining his studio in Kanazawa.
