Tatsuo Nagaoka

  • Sunagowork
  • 1940 -
Tatsuo Nagaoka

Production of sunagowork using real gold started during the Tempyo period (710-794), and the techniques were completed in the Heian period (794-1185). Sunagowork can be seen in national treasures such as Heike Nokyo (sutras dedicated by the Taira family) and Sanjurokuninkashu (manuscript of Japanese poems written by the 36 master poets). From then on, the sunago techniques were improved and passed down to this day as a traditional craft unique to Japan. The sensibility of Japanese people developed sunagowork through times. I want to produce refined, elegant sunagowork to match our modern life style.

Membership Full member, Japan Kogei Association
Toyama Prefecture Hyougu Craftsmen Cultural Association
  • 1940 Born in Fukuno Town, Toyama Prefecture (current Fukuno, Nanto City)
  • 1958 Graduated from Takaoka Kogei High School, Design and Painting course
  • 1964 Becomes 7th head of mounting shop Nagaoka Seijudo (in business since 1773)
  • 1983 Two-panel Screen with Sunago "Peony" seen by Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor)
    Two-panel Screen with Sunago "Distant Mountain" used at the Japan-US summit meeting
  • 1985 Designated as "Contemporary Master Craftsman" and awarded for outstanding skills by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
  • 1987 Awarded by Fukuno Town for distinguished service in art
  • 1991 Becomes Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
  • 1996 Framed Sunagowork "Sun” seen by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess
  • 1998 Produced a wall painting with sunago for the special reception room at the new government building of Uchinada Town (Ishikawa Prefecture)
    Received the Medal with Yellow Ribbon
  • 2001 Two-panel Screen with Sunago "Distant Mountain" exhibited at the Wedgewood Main Store in London in commemoration of "Japan 2001" in the UK
  • 2008 The Kitanippon Monthly Art Tatsuo Nagaoka Exhibition at the Kitanippon Shimbun Gallery
  • 2009 Sunago introduced in NHK TV program "Bi no Tsubo 'Gold Leaf'"
    Submitted to the 2nd "Kanazawa and Nanki Craftworks of Today" Exhibition at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

  • 1973Received the Governor Award at the 60th Toyama Mounting Exhibition
  • 2013Received the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the 24th Other Crafts Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
    Received the Takaoka Mayor Award at the 52nd Toyama Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  • 2015Received the Mitsukoshi Isetan Award at the 25th Other Crafts Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  • 2019Received the Japan Kōgei Association Incentive Award at the 66th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  • 2021Received the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the 28th Other Crafts Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
    Received the Takaoka Mayor Award at the 60th Toyama Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
15 artworks posted