The boundary between the past and the future, or the divide between traditional and revolutionary can be found in many forms of Koichi Sato’s work. Influenced by his scientific understanding, which he acquired in the 1950s, and his interest in the haiku poetry of music and theater, this master has conquered a dichotomy within himself by expressing it on paper.
Sato’s work often combines a tight line with gradation, or images of space, with the scribblings of man. He is a logician with a poet’s desire to reach within. He is also a technical genius with a legendary interest and understanding of the methods of his trade.
In 1969 Sato graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music. After working for Shiseido for two years, he opened his own design office. His clients have included theatrical groups, fashion designer Jurgen Lehl, the established department store Mitsukoshi, paper manufacturer Takeo and Sogetsu, and an established school of flower arranging.
Graphis was honored to have Sato included in 12 Japanese Masters, a book that serves as a tribute to the designers who, in the 1960s and ’70s, brought Japan to the attention of the international design world. It includes insightful profiles and stunning visual portfolios by designers Shigeo Fukuda, Tadanori Yokoo, Eiko Ishioka, Toshiyuki Kita, Yusaku Kamekura, Kiyoshi Awazu, Kazumasa Nagai, Issey Miyake, and Ikko Tanaka.
To purchase 12 Japanese Masters, click here.
