Sanao learned maki-e lacquer ware techniques from his father Shuetsu, who was trained at Zohiko in Kyoto, and began studying under Living National Treasure Naoji Terai since 1955.Since his first exhibition at the Echizen Lacquerware Exhibition, he has participated in a number of exhibitions in various fields.
Invited to the Fukui Prefecture Integrated Art Exhibition
1971
Solo exhibition at Hoso Kaikan
1977
Certified as Traditional Craftsman of Echizen lacquerware in maki-e
1981
Certified as first-class technician of Echizen lacquerware in maki-e
1990
Exhibition with Hattori Masanari at Sabae City Museum
1994-95
President of Fukui Craft Artisans' Association
1996
Created the wall "Tojinbo" at Fukui International Activities Plaza
1997
Created the wall "Flying" at Sabae Kyoyo Kaikan
2004
Rare Years Exhibition at the Prefectural Museum of Art
Since 2005
Held the Maki-e and parent-child exhibition at Tokyo Hiroo, Ikebukuro, Aoyama Square and Omotesando 291
2006
Sumo Tournament Gunbai production for the Main Tournament 2006 and several times since then
2008
Father-Son Tri-Generation Exhibition at Tiffany & Co.Certified as Modern Master Craftsman
2009
Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property by Sabae City
Since 2012
Received to restore objects used by Emperor Meiji and other royalty
2012
Cooperative participation in Ikeda Tourist Bus interior decoration
2014
Participated in the World Craft Competition for the 50th Anniversary in China as a representative of Japan
2018
Honored to present works to Princess Takamado at the Fukui National Athletic Meet
2019
Made and presented wood and thorns in maki-e lacquerware for Princess Akishinonomiya Makiko's library at the request of Fukui PrefecturePresented celebration gift to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress on their accession to the throne
Awards received
Since 1955
Fukui Prefecture General Art Exhibition, the Governor’s Prize 5 times, other prizes 5 times
Since 1956
Echizen Lacquerware Exhibition, Governor’s Prize 10 times, other prizes 25 times
Since 1959
Ishikawa Contemporary Art Exhibition selected for 5 times
1968
The Newcomer’s Prize of the Miyazaki Prefectural Literary Association
Since 1980
Awarded at the Good Design Exhibition 6 times
1997
Awarded the Sabae Citizen’s Culture Prize
2009
Awarded The Yellow Ribbon Medal of Honor
2013
Awarded the Fukui Prefecture Culture Prize
National Lacquerware Exhibition
1989
Minister of Labor Award
1991
Minister of International Trade and Industry Award
1994
Minister of Labor Award
1996
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
1997
Minister of Labor Award
2001
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
Other awards 31 times
National Traditional Crafts Exhibition
1989
Ministry of International Trade and Industry Director-General’s Award
1993
General Minister of Interior Award
1994
Award of Director-General of Living Essentials Bureau and Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Special Award of Traditional Technology
1995
Award of the President of the Traditional Craft Association
