Taguchi Toshichika Japanese, Living National Treasure, 1940

Born in Tokyo in 1940, Taguchi trained as a metalsmith under his father after majoring in metalwork at Tokyo Metropolitan Kogei High School. Taguchi is known for the compositional simplicity of his works, as he uses complex lines that provide the viewer with a diverse range of perspectives from different angles. He utilizes a material known as shibuichi, a metal-alloy comprised of silver and copper that is unique to Japan. During the process of making the work, the metal shrinks and expands to the artist’s desired shape by using shibori and nobashi techniques. During this process, Taguchi hammers the metal with patience and endurance causing the “hammer prints” that are characteristic to Taguchi’s work.

 

Slected Public Exhibitions: 

2020  Asia Week | New York 

2019  The 66th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition | Japan
2018  Living National Treasure Exhibition, MOA Museum of Modern Art | Shizuoka, Japan

 

Selected Public Collections

The Metropolitan Museum of Art | New York

MOA Museum of Modern Art | Shizuoka, Japan

Jingu Museum | Ise, Japan

Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan