This type of earthenware from Sasayama, Hyogo (present-day Tamba-Sasayama) was started in the early Taisho period by the 1st generation Imamura Seisai, who was a potter from this area, and mainly involved tea bowls. Although the kiln was passed on to the 2nd generation Gennosuke, it was closed in 1935 at the passing of Gennosuke.
1st Generation Imamura Seisai 初代 今村静斎
1890 – 1922
In an attempt to revive Ojiyama ware (the kiln of the Aoyama clan, the feudal lords of the Sasayama Domain), which was abolished around 1869, he studied techniques at the Kyoto Ceramic Research Center, trained under the 5th generation Takahashi Dohachi, and built a climbing kiln in his home area. Although he created excellent tea bowls, none remain to this day because he passed away in 1922 when he was only 33 years old.
2nd Generation Gennosuke 2代 源之助
Unknown Year of Birth – 1935
Since his year of birth is unknown, and he passed away only 13 years after the death of the 1st generation, it is believed that he is not the son of the 1st generation, with the possibility that he is the younger brother.
It is stated that his range of work was much wider than the 1st generation and that he interacted closely with Tanomura Chokunyu, Yabunouchi Kyukyusai, and other writers and tea ceremony masters.
