Zoltán Gosztonyi

master carver, folk artist

Kaposvár, 14 March 1952

Corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Arts (2023–2025)

Full member of the Hungarian Academy of Arts (2025–)

He was born in Kaposvár on 14 March 1952. He spent his childhood in Balatonszemes, where his mother, who hailed from Transylvania, worked as a teacher. Margit Mihály, a cantor-teacher, with her literary cultivation, respect for tradition, and strongly formative personality, played a decisive role in shaping the child’s character, intellectual interests, and cultural horizons. In his book Szarvasösvényen (lit. On the Deer Path), he reflects on her as follows:

Hungarian Gold Cross of Merit

The Hungarian Cross of Merit may be awarded to Hungarian and foreign citizens who have achieved outstanding merits in promoting and supporting the interests of an independent and democratic Hungary, with separate civilian and military divisions.

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1999

governmental award

Master of Folk Arts

State award granted to folk artists, in recognition of specific works or their entire oeuvre, who have achieved outstanding results in developing folk art over an extended period.

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1987

governmental award

Young Master of Folk Arts

State award granted to young (15-35 years old) creators and performing artists who have achieved outstanding individual accomplishments in specific branches of folk art.

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