Artists

In Japan, the national government annually designates select individuals as Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, more commonly known as Living National Treasures. Intangible Cultural Properties include stage arts, music, crafts, and other intangible cultural assets that provide rich historic and artistic value to the country. The properties showcase 'human technical artistry' and are categorized by different mediums like ceramics, textiles, urushi (lacquerware), metalwork, dolls, woodwork, and bamboo. The works from Living National Treasures are exhibited and selected at the annual Nihon Dento Kōgei Ten, an arts and crafts exhibition established in 1954.  The Minister of Culture considers locality, tradition and the perpetuation of historic techniques when awarding this title to artists. Once an artist is recognized as a Living National Treasure, their profile publicized on a national and global level, dramatically increasing the value of their work. Additionally, the national government annually allocates 2 million yen to the Living National Treasures and facilitates master classes between Living National Treasures and aspiring artists, keeping the knowledge of century-old techniques alive. The system aims to not only celebrate and preserve the historic artistic traditions of Japan, but challenge living artists to continuously improve and incorporate their own individual style while still mastering their craft.