Suzuki Kenji, Ceramic vase circa 1990

Suzuki Kenji, born on February 25, 1930 in Kyoto, comes from a long line of ceramists. He learned ceramic techniques at a very early age from his father, Suzuki Kiyoshi, and his brother Takuji. His family training was completed by studies at the Kyoto University of Fine Arts, from which he graduated in 1957. During his studies, he benefited from the teaching of masters such as Kondo Ryuzo, Tomimoto Kenkichi and Fujimoto Nodo. ??He perfected his art as an apprentice to the sixth Kiyomizu Rokubei.
In 1958, a year after graduating, Suzuki was selected for the Nitten exhibition, where he would regularly receive awards. In 1960, he received the Kyoto Mayor's Prize. During the 1960s, he participated in international exhibitions in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, thus expanding the reputation of his art.
Between 1965 and 1971, he was an assistant professor to the seventh Kiyomizu Rokubei at Kyoto University of Fine Arts. In 1967, he won the Hokuto-sho Prize at the Nitten for his work "White Orb", a career-defining piece that illustrates his mastery of forms and glazes. In 1976, he installed a new kiln in Yamashina, where he continued his research, particularly on metallic glazes. The recognition of his work culminated in 2005 when he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by Kyoto Prefecture. Suzuki was also a prolific author. In 1971, he published a book for the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo entitled "Contemporary Ceramic Art: Canada, USA, Mexico and Japan", highlighting his international vision of ceramic art. In 1984, he published "S?saku t?gei no tenkai / sekinin hensh?" and many other works, contributing to the evolution of ceramics. From 1990, Suzuki became a respected judge at Nitten, influencing the selection of new ceramicists. He was also a member and judge of the Japan New Crafts exhibition, demonstrating his commitment to Japanese craftsmanship. He died in 2010, leaving a considerable artistic legacy. His works are held in prestigious collections, including the Kyoto Prefectural Museum and the Kyoto Municipal Museum. Suzuki Kenji remains a major figure in contemporary Japanese ceramics.
Signed piece. With original signed box