Hirakushi Tanaka

Sculptor. Born in Okayama Prefecture. Real name Kyoutaro. He learned woodcarving techniques from doll maker Nakatani Seiko in Osaka, and in 1897 (Meiji 30) moved to Tokyo to learn woodcarving from Takamura Koun. He was active in the Japan Art Association and the Tokyo Sculptors' Association from an early age, and exhibited at the Bunten Exhibition from its first exhibition (1907). In 1908 (Meiji 41), under the guidance of Okakura Tenshin, he formed the Japan Sculptor's Association with Yamazaki Choun and Yonehara Unkai. In 1914, he participated in the revival of the Japan Art Institute, and was active as a member of the sculpture department. In 1937 (Showa 12), he became a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, and in 1944, he became an Imperial Household Artist. He served as a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts from 1944 to 1952, and also served as a judge for the government exhibition. In 1955 (Showa 30), he was named a Person of Cultural Merit, and in 1987, he was awarded the Order of Culture. His realistic style based on his refined carving techniques is his specialty, and his main works include "Reincarnation," "Portrait of Tenshin Sensei," "Subjugation of Demons," and "Kagamijishi." In 1969, the Ibara City Tanaka Museum of Art was opened in his hometown of Ibara, and in 1972, the Hirakushi Tanaka Award was established to promote sculpture.

[Tamon Miki]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

彫刻家。岡山県生まれ。本名倬太郎。大阪で人形師中谷省古に木彫技術を、1897年（明治30）上京して高村光雲(こううん)に木彫を学んだ。早くから日本美術協会、東京彫工会などで活躍し、文展にも第1回展（1907）から出品している。1908年（明治41）岡倉天心(てんしん)の指導のもとに山崎朝雲(ちょううん)、米原雲海(よねはらうんかい)らと日本彫刻会を結成。14年には日本美術院の再興に参加、彫刻部同人として活躍した。37年（昭和12）帝国芸術院会員、44年帝室技芸員。44～52年東京芸術大学教授を務め、官展の審査員も務めた。55年（昭和30）文化功労者、62年文化勲章受章。練達した彫技法に基づく写実的な作風が特色で、おもな作品に『転生(てんしょう)』『天心先生像』『降魔』『鏡獅子(かがみじし)』などがある。69年、生地井原市に井原市立田中美術館が開設され、72年から彫刻振興のための平櫛田中賞が設定されている。

［三木多聞］

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