Spiny Lobster, 8” x 4.5” x 2”, 60 articulated parts 20.35 cm x 11.5 cm x 5 cm

This craft of "Jizai" dates back as far as 1713, and it was in the Meiji era that this technique was passed down to the Tomiki Family of Noto, with the founder Munekazu followed by Muneyori. Munenobu, and Muneyoshi, and Munekazu's pupils, Muneyoshi and Muneaki.They produced many metal works which were exported overseas by the trader, Takase Kozan,who was related to the Tomiki Family.

Tadakazu Tanaka, currently residing in California , U.S.A. , is the only son of the above mentioned Muneyoshi. and he has continued his late father's techniques by crafting "Jizai" objects that have evolved to silver in material instead of iron. Tadakazu Tanaka (Munetada.) and his cousin Akira Tomiki (Muneyuki. residing in Kyoto ) are the only living heirs today in the art of "Jizai." However, it should be noted that Tanaka/Munetada's only son, Yasuo Tanaka who works in Oakland, California as a contemporary-style goldsmith, has been given the name Muneyasu and is working with his father to further continue the original craftsmanship of "Jizai" which would otherwise perish after Munetada and Muneyuki.

ARTIST PROFILE

TADAKAZU TANAKA, a silversmith and artist, currently resides in San Mateo , California . Born in Japan , he is a fifth generation silversmith.

Tadakazu started learning sculpture at the Kyoto Art School in 1937, but even in his youth, he was exposed to many forms of art and the true form of "Jizai" through his father and uncle who were actively creating the Jizai crafts in Kyoto . Tadakazu and his cousin Akira were practicing as apprentices to their fathers, however, Tadakazu wished to try other fields of art and joined the Amita Jewelry Co. in Kyoto . At Amita, Tadakazu mastered the art of damascene, which is a technique originating in Damascus , Syria . The technique was brought to Japan about 500 years ago and was widely used in the decoration of Japanese swords and plates.

In 1961, Tadakazu emigrated to the United States where he was a Government employee for 30 years, during which time he still found time to keep the art of Jizai alive. After retirement, Tadakazu relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he accidentally found some of his father Muneyoshi's Jizai pieces displayed at the Asian Art Museum . This prompted him to once again take the name of Munetada and continue the legacy of Jizai, which was becoming a dying art, especially because of the fact that Munetada and his cousin Muneyuki were the only two remaining heirs of this art. Added to the fact that Muneyuki unfortunately has no heir to inherit the craft. Munetada felt obligated to pass down the craft to his only son, Yasuo who now takes on the name of Muneyasu. Together, Munetada and Muneyasu will keep this art form of Jizai alive for at least another generation.

YAS TANAKA, a goldsmith and jewelry designer, currently resides in Oakland , California . Born in Japan , he is a sixth generation silversmith.

Yas started in a traditional manner as an apprentice for 3 years with his father Tadakazu Tanaka (AKA Munetada) learning the art of "Jizai," Just as his father had apprenticed, and his father before him, and so on for 3 more generations before them; Yas trained in the traditional method of apprenticeships. Learning first to ingot metal, then to draw the metal, and than learning forging techniques. This is where the "Jizai" starts. He would then learn each following technique until all the separate pieces were all completed to his father's satisfaction. After inspection, he then learned how to assemble the pieces into ifs complete "Jizai" form. After completing his apprenticeship to his father, Yas then furthered his training as an apprentice to Alan Revere, a German-trained master goldsmith, award-winning designer, author and Director of the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. After completing his apprenticeship with Mr. Revere, Yas stayed at the Revere Studio, hand-crafting jewelry for the Alan Revere Jewelry line. Yas quickly became Production Manger as well as one of the Instructors at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts.

After 6 years with the Revere Studio, Yas became head Goldsmith with Pave Fine Jewelry Design, a custom retail store in Oakland California , where he has been since 1991. Yas also designs his own jewelry, incorporating his past training styles of East and West, His designs are fluid in an organic way and extremely functional, a unique combination of his traditional and contemporary training. Yas works in silver, gold and platinum often incorporating semi-precious stones and precious gems in his pieces. His designs are linear, clean and flowing, innovative in both mood and style, His nearly 25 years of training and working in the field have now brought him full circle. While still teaching at the Revere Academy where he keeps close ties with Mr. Revere and working as Shop Foreman for Pave, Yas will soon be creating the "Jizai" along with his father. He will take the name of "Muneyasu," honoring the lineage of his ancestors who have created "Jizai" before him.