STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Tainan Kokutai" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the early years depicts FP01c Saburo Sakai from the Tainan Kaigun Kokutai on 7 August 1942.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 7 August 1942, Japanese flying ace Saburo Sakai led his squadron from the elite Tainan Kaigun Kokutai, a distinguished unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy, based at Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul in the New Britain Islands. During this mission, Sakai successfully claimed three kills, continuing to build his reputation as one of Japan’s top aces. However, while engaging a group of SBD Dauntless dive bombers, Sakai was severely wounded by return fire. Despite being blinded in one eye and losing consciousness for brief moments, Sakai managed to fly his damaged A6M Zero over 560 miles back to base, displaying incredible skill and determination.

Saburo Sakai was one of only a few Japanese aces to survive the entire length of World War II. His combat experience began at the very onset of the conflict in December 1941, when Japan launched its surprise attacks across the Pacific. Sakai was part of the Tainan Kaigun Kokutai, one of Japan's premier fighter units, known for producing some of the most successful and skilled fighter pilots of the war. This squadron played a significant role in major Pacific battles, including those over the Philippines, Dutch East Indies, and later in the Solomon Islands campaign.

The Tainan Kaigun Kokutai, stationed at key bases like Rabaul, was tasked with providing air superiority over the Pacific theater and supporting Japanese ground and naval operations. Sakai and his squadron were involved in relentless air combat, facing off against Allied aircraft such as the Grumman F4F Wildcat and the Douglas SBD Dauntless. The unit’s elite pilots, including Sakai, made a significant impact during the early years of the war, with many of them achieving high kill counts in engagements over the vast Pacific.

Sakai is one of the few Japanese pilots who took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor, flew throughout the entire war, and survived.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This genuine aluminum fragment originates comes from an A6M2 Model 21 Zero Fighter of the Tainan Kaigun Kokutai, the same unit served by WWII ace Saburo Sakai. Recovered in the 1980s and acquired through the Museum of the Pacific (which closed in 2016), the fragment originates from the outer wing section of the aircraft and still retains original Imperial Japanese Navy green paint along with remnants of the red Hinomaru, the Japanese national insignia.Close-up view of the A6M2 Zero - Tainan Kaigan Kokutai wing aluminum fragments

The aircraft (serial number unknown) was abandoned at Vunakanau Airfield in Papua New Guinea, known to the Japanese as "Rabaul Number 2." Like many Japanese fighters later in the war, this Zero adopted the green paint scheme used by the Imperial Japanese Navy. After decades of neglect, the aircraft was eventually moved to Tobera Airfield. Aces in Action obtained this and other relics from the Museum of the Pacific, which show clear evidence of the aircraft's original wartime paint scheme.Tainan Kokutai - A6M2 Zero Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderClose-up view of the "Tainun Kokutai" art data plate with A6M2 Zero relic

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.