1850-1914
male
kyo pottery
imperial household artist
Born to the Okada family in Harima Province. Sought to be a painter as a youth and studied Japanese painting and nanga under Tanomura Chokunyu in Osaka. However, gave up on painting due to illness and transitioned to ceramics by becoming an apprentice of the 2nd generation Seifu Yohei in Kyoto. Used the artist name of Seizan to make ceramics at the time.
Later married the younger sister of the 2nd generation and became a son-in-law of the Seifu family (Shinkai family). Became the 3rd generation Yohei upon the passing of the 2nd generation in 1878.
Studied the traditional Kyo ware techniques cultivated by the 1st and 2nd generations and also developed modern ceramics using celadon, Dehua porcelain, openwork, and underglaze techniques that had not been part of the range of works before. Establishing himself as Seifu Yohei of the new generation, was appointed as an Imperial Household Artist in 1893. Won the Medal with a Green Ribbon in 1895.
