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Q Tani

谷 穹
Ceramic Artist • 1977 –

A ceramic artist living in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture. After graduating from the sculpture course at Seian University of Art and Design, Q Tani pursued creating sculptures and three-dimensional works before delving into ceramics in Shigaraki. He has dedicated himself to perfecting the yakishime technique of high-fired unglazed stoneware, using an ana-gama kiln he built himself, taking the “Ko-Shigaraki” jars and pots from the Muromachi period (1336-1573) as his benchmark. Striving to embody the aesthetics of ancient Shigaraki ware in contemporary times, he is equally committed to creating spaces that display his works.

BASED IN
Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture
WEB SITE

POINT OF VIEW

In his earnest pursuit of Ko-Shigaraki, Q Tani discovered a distinct aesthetic sense of the medieval artisans that was rooted in their technique. The goal of repeatedly firing the kiln is not merely to replicate ancient works but to examine the spirituality that lives within them in modern times. The pieces, with their weathered textures and stately presence, seem to eloquently convey the artist’s philosophy as if they have endured through the ages.

CRAFT ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

1977

Born in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

2012

Built a single chamber ana-gama kiln

2015

“Utsuro” solo exhibition at Kyoto City University of Arts Art Gallery @KCUA, Kyoto, Japan

“On the Way to the Future, and Then,” Kyoto Institute of Technology, Museum and Archives, Kyoto, Japan

2020

“The Spirits of Japanese Ceramics,” Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

2021

“No Man’s Land: The Future of Ceramic Art, the Unseen Beyond the Horizon,” The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

The 15th Ceramic Art Grand Prize Exhibition, Paramita Museum, Mie Prefecture, Japan

2024

“Sharpness of Black and White” Seiko House Ginza Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Collaboration in “Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei,” Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan

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