Morihito Katsura

Living National Treasure

About

Living National Treasure
Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property
Councilor of the Japan Kōgei Association: Born 1944
Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Chōkin” (Metal Engraving)

I possess all metal engraving techniques and wish to continue pursuing mastery in this craft.
I also hope to pass on these metal engraving techniques to young people and see them carry on this tradition.

Biography

1944 Born in Tokyo
1960 Began apprenticeship under his father, Moriyuki
1966 Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Kōgei High School, Department of Metal Crafts
1971 First acceptance at the 18th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition
1992 Created sacred treasures for Ise Grand Shrine reconstruction (also in 2008)
2008 Designated as Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Chōkin” (Metal Engraving)
2010 Cultural Agency produced craft technique documentary film “Chōkin – The Art of Katsura Morihito”
2015 Awarded Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
2018 “Living National Treasure Katsura Morihito: World of Metal Crafts Exhibition” at Nerima Art Museum
2022 Created replica restoration of Kasuga Taisha National Treasure, exhibited at “Kasuga Taisha Wakamiya National Treasure Exhibition” at Nara National Museum
2023 “Pokémon✖️Crafts Exhibition” at National Museum of Modern Art, Crafts Gallery (Kanazawa)