Abstract Black and Silver Lacquer Painting by Tamotsu ONAGA

Born in 1932 in Nagami City, Toyama Prefecture, Onaga Tamotsu studied lacquer under Yamazaki Ritsuzan. In 1951 he first exhibited at the national level with the 7th Nitten, a venue at which he was to show 14 times. Over the years he was awarded several rewards at the Nitten, as well as the Member’s Award and the Minister of Culture Award at the Gendai Kogei Bijutsu Ten (Exhibition of Contemporary Crafts and Fine Art). 1965- 1967 his works toured in Europe (Berlin, Rome, and London). After 1976, he was granted a commission from the Emperor. The Nitten Association as well as the Toyama Prefectural Government purchased his works. Onaga Tamotsu has held solo exhibitions at Tokyo Ginza Matsuya, Osaka Daimaru and Hankyu, as well as the Shinjuku Tokyo Gallery.