Okabe Takaneri 岡部享憲
1951-malebizen pottery1973 Joined kiln “Toshoen” as a potter1977 Joined the kiln “Kibido” as a potter1994 Opened his own kiln in Yoshinaga-cho, Bizen City2009 Solo exhibition at Gallery Hikari every year. (more…)
Seto Takemi 瀬戸毅己
1958-maleBorn in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture1981 Graduated from Tokyo Zokei University, Department of Sculpture1982 Trained at Aichi Ceramic Training School1992-2005 Lecturer at Toita Women’s Junior College2018- Solo exhibition at Shibiya Kuroda Toen Currently a member of the Oriental Ceramic Society (more…)
Kuze Seitei 久世青亭
1968-maleBorn in Kyoto, Japan, he began his career as a ceramic artist, and after producing Raku tea bowls, he continued his research on Tenmoku tea bowls from the Southern Song period in China, which are compared to the “mysteries of the universe,” and developed his own unique Tenmoku tea bowl reconstructions. (more…)
Fujii Takayuki 藤井隆之
1973-maleBorn in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture1999 Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Crafts, majoring in ceramicsAwarded the Salon du Printemps prize for graduation workSelected for the 39th Exhibition of New Works of Traditional Crafts (since then, selected 19 times)2000 Selected for the 47th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (and 11 times since)2001 Completed the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, majoring in ceramics2001 Completion work: purchased by Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and MusicAfter working as a research student at Tokyo University of the Arts, established his own kiln in (more…)
Tanaka Somi 田中宗味
early edo periodmaleraku potteryHis name is Shozaemon.He was the son of Tanaka Sokei and the elder brother of Kichizaemon Jokei.In the Raku kiln genealogy up to around Genroku (1688-1704), he was the second generation after Chojiro, and Jokei was the third generation, but for some reason, in the subsequent genealogy, Shozaemon was omitted from the Raku generation and Tsunekei was the second generation.Therefore, after that, Somi is treated as a side kiln. (more…)
Irie Mitoshi 入江光人司
1939-malebizen potteryIrie Mitoshi was born in Ibe, Bizen, in 1939 as the eldest son of craftsman Irie Kenji. He is a ceramist specialising in craftwork, which is becoming rare in Bizen. He specialises in small objects such as hohin (teapot) and incense burners. He is not a well-known artist for several reasons, such as his limited output and lack of membership of large associations, but he is well known to lovers of craftwork. (more…)
Tamai Rakuzan 3rd 三代 玉井楽山
1942-1990rakuzan pottery Tamai Rakusan III was born in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture in 1924 and graduated from the Kyoto School of Arts and Crafts.After graduation, he studied under Ito Suiko and honed his skills in Kyoto.He later succeeded to the third generation of Rakusan pottery and took the name Tamai Rakusan. He has exhibited his work at exhibitions such as the Nitten, where it was selected for awards.At present, the kiln is closed due to a lack of successors. (more…)
Fujii Shoun 藤井勝雲
1938-malearita porcelainBorn in Arita-cho, Saga Prefecture1944Studied under Fujii Kuniyuki, a traditional craftsman and owner of Seiun Kiln, and devoted himself to acquiring techniques1983Opened the Seiun Kiln1986Selected, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition1987Selected, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Saga Art Association ExhibitionSelected, Kyushu New Craft Exhibition1988Selected, Saga Art Association ExhibitionSelected, Kyushu New Craft ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition1989Selected, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Ceramic Art Association Prize1990Selected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition, Japan1991Selected, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition1992Selected, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Saga, Japan1993Selected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition1994Selected, (more…)
Muta Yoca 牟田陽日
1981-femalekutani porcelainShe was born in Tokyo. She produces a wide range of works from arts and crafts such as everyday tableware and tea utensils to artwork, mainly using the technique of color painting, in which colors are applied to ceramics. 2008 BFA Fine Art, Goldsmiths College, University of London 2008 Solo exhibition “A Tale of Two Suns” Iniva, London 2008 “newcontemporaries 2008” A Foundation, London 2009 Solo exhibition “Mt. Boo” the SASSOONGALLERY, London 2011 “We who saw signs” ICA gallery, Singapore 2012 Graduated from Ishikawa Kutaniyaki Technical Training Institute 2012 Itami International Craft Exhibition “Sake Vessels and Sake Cup Holders”, (more…)
Kuroda Taizo 黒田泰蔵
1946–2021maleKuroda Taizo was born in 1946. After moving to Paris at the age of 20 and discovering ceramics in Canada in 1967, Kuroda returned to Japan and built a kiln in Ito City in 1991, and held his first solo exhibition in 1982. Since 1992, when he first exhibited white porcelain works, this has become the center of his creativity.He had continued to produce pure works that fulfill his self-expression. (more…)
Yamada So 山田想
1979-maletokoname potteryBorn in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. His grandfather was Yamada Jozan III, a living national treasure. His father was Yamada Jozan IV (Yamada Emu). 2002 Finished the Tokoname Municipal Ceramic Research Institute. Moved to Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture to work. 2004 Moved back to Tokoname. He has been working under the guidance of his grandfather, Yamada Jozan III, and his father, Yamada Jozan IV. 2005 First solo exhibition at Gallery CEPICA, Tokoname. 2008 Solo exhibition at Sakae Mitsukoshi, Nagoya 2009 Solo exhibition at Kuroda Toen, Ginza, Tokyo 2010 Appeared on NHK’s TV program “Utsuwa Yume Kobo”, solo exhibition at (more…)
Fukagawa Porcelain 深川製磁
1894-arita porcelain Fukagawa Porcelain is a well-established manufacturer of Arita porcelain since 1894. Its history dates back to 1894 when it was established by the second son of Fukagawa Eizayemon of Koransha, which was also located in the town of Arita. The company is known for its clear blue dyeing and red painting, and the blue dyeing is also called “Fukagawa blue” and is well known by many people. In 1903, it was exhibited at the World Exposition in Paris, where it won the highest honor, the Medaille d’Or. Fukagawa’s porcelain with “Mt. Fuji and River” on the back has (more…)
NORITAKE CO., LIMITED ノリタケ
1904-The company was founded in 1904 by Morimura Ichizaemon (1839-1919) as Nihon Toki General Partnership Company. Its predecessor, Nihon Toki, was the first company in Japan to produce high-end Western tableware, which was exported in large quantities to Europe and the United States by the Morimura Group, a pottery and porcelainware trading company, during the Meiji era and before World War II. The early products were handmade and known for the beauty of their painting and the delicacy of their workmanship. Later, tableware based on the Art Deco style was produced in large quantities, and the elaborate designs are still (more…)
Kakurezaki Ryuichi 隠崎隆一
1950-malebizen potteryBorn in Nagasaki Prefecture. After graduating from the Design Department of Osaka University of Arts, he worked in the field of commercial design, but became interested in Bizen ware and studied under Bizen ware creator Iwamoto Shuichi, as well as learned the basics of ceramics at Bizen Togei Center and from ’54 on, studied under Isezaki Jun, who was a top class medium-standing creator at the time and is a current living national treasure, before building up an ascending kiln and going independent, leading to where he is today, being chosen and receiving awards at the Japan Kogei Association (more…)
Hon’ami Koetsu 本阿弥光悦
1558-1637malekyo potteryBorn in Kyoto, Honami Koetsu was a multi-disciplinary artist of many faces: a craftsman, calligrapher, painter, publisher, gardener, and maker of Noh masks. Known as the da Vinci of Japan, he had an excellent sense of design and left numerous masterpieces in all artistic genres. In the world of calligraphy, Honami is considered to be one of the three great calligraphers of the Kanei era alongside Nobutada Konoe and Shokado Shojo. He is the founder of the Koetsu style. The Honami family was a high-ranking family of leading businessmen. The family had been well-known as sword connoisseurs since the (more…)
Tsuji Hitachi 14th 十四代 辻常陸
1909-2007malearita porcelainBorn in Tokyo. Graduated from the Department of Ceramics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and returned to Arita in 1947 to assume the name of Tsuji Hitachi the 14th. In 1889, he inherited the title of Imperial Household Agency Imperial Kiln and began working at Tsuji Seijisha. Solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store and others. Focuses on somenishiki (blue and white with overglaze enamels), and blue and white. (more…)
Takegoshi Jun 武腰潤
1948-malekutani porcelainBorn in Terai-machi, Ishikawa Prefecture. Father of Taizan III. Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art, majoring in Japanese painting. After working as the head of the ceramics design department at a vocational training school and traveling abroad, he became a potter in 1973. Studied under his father Taizan and Kitade Fujio. Member of Nitten. Awarded the Honorable Mention at the Japan New Craft Exhibition and is a member. Received the highest award and commission from the Prefectural Contemporary Art Exhibition. Solo exhibitions at Ikebukuro Seibu and Shibuya Gallery Keita. Director of the Prefectural Ceramic Association. (more…)
Suzuki Soji 鈴木爽司
1939-maleEldest son of ceramic artist Suzuki Kiyoshi. Graduated from Kyoto University of Art and Design, and studied under Tomimoto Kenkichi, Kondo Yuzo, and Shimizu Soji. He was selected for the Nitten exhibition for the first time in 1968, and was continuously selected until 1981. In 1994, he withdrew from the Nitten and the Contemporary Industrial Arts Association, and in 1985 he was selected for the first time to exhibit at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition. He was awarded the Mayor’s Prize at the Kyoto Exhibition. He has had many solo exhibitions, including at Yokohama Takashimaya. Painted in gold and silver. (more…)
Suzuki Sansei 鈴木三成
1936-maleBorn in Chiba Prefecture. Graduated from Ichihara High School. Studied under Kawamura Seizan and trained at Kamakura Kiln. Later built a kiln in Kozu, Odawara City. Selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition. Awarded the Musashino Exhibition City Board of Education Prize. Grand Prize and Excellence Prize at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition. Second prize at the Kanagawa Prefectural Exhibition. Solo exhibitions in major cities throughout Japan. Mainly celadon. Regular member of Japan Kogei Association. (more…)
Sugimoto Sadamitsu 杉本貞光
1935-maleBorn in Tokyo, built a kiln in the Hosohara Mountains in 1968. Studied tea ceremony pottery under Tachibana Daigame of Daitokuji Temple, and was named Teragaito Kiln by the old master. Participated in the Okinawa Ocean Expo. Held solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Tsubochuai and others. (more…)
Naruse Seishi 成瀬誠志
1845-1923maletokyo-satsuma potteryBorn as the second son to father Shusuke, a carpenter, after training in pottery with Shinohara Riheiji at the age of 13, he opened an independent kiln in 1866 at the age of 21. However, in 1871, he closed the kiln, moved to Tokyo, and settled into a park residence around Shiba, Tokyo, where he worked with several potters to produce works by painting Uwa-e on unglazed pottery sent from Satsuma, which they then did all the processing for, making them the representative potters of ‘Tokyo Satsuma’. In 1866, he returned to Nasubigawa in search of a more serious (more…)
Nakagawa Kazumasa 中川一政
1893-1991maleHis work ‘Sakagura’ displayed at the Tatsumigakai exhibition in 1914 was recognized by Kishida Ryusei and made him a prizewinner for the first time.Later, he studied under Kishida Ryusei and fully devoted himself to his work as a painter with the aim of improving his oil painting techniques. In addition, he participated in the formation of Sodosha, Shunyokai, and the Sumito Club, etc., and established a position in the Western painting world. Furthermore, in 1975 (Showa 50), he received the Order of Culture and was successful as a master in the Western painting world, in both name and reality.He also (more…)
Tokuda Yasokichi 2nd 二代 徳田八十吉
1907-1997malekutani porcelainHe was adopted by Tokuda Yasokichi I in 1923, and studied color painting under his father-in-law, as well as under Tomimoto Kenkichi and Tosen Adachi in Kanazawa. He presented his works at various craft exhibitions such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Craft Exhibition from a young age. His works were selected in various craft exhibitions. After the war, he exhibited his works at the Japan Art exhibition from the 1st exhibition in 1946. His works were selected in 1952, and won the Hokuto Award in 1954. He was active as Tokuda Yasokichi, and in 1956 he succeeded (more…)
Deguchi Onisaburo 出口王仁三郎
1871-1948maleBorn in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture. He was called a child prodigy from an early age, and had a peculiar psychic ability. Following an oracle, he became a subordinate of the founder of the Omoto religion, Nao Deguchi in Ayabe, in the northern part of Kyoto prefecture, and together taught as leaders to salvation. Subsequently, he became the second teacher. Married Sumiko (the youngest child), and worked hard to further develop the Omoto religion as a psychic.In addition, he left behind a huge number of works of art, such as writing, calligraphy, pottery, poetry and songs, which he independently studied, claiming (more…)
Tsukinowa Yusen 月之輪涌泉
1908-?maleBorn in a potter’s family from the time of his grandfather, he initially aspired to become a Japanese-style painter. After graduating from school, he worked as a painter at the Kyoto Kiyomizu ware studio to improve his art skills. Later, due to financial needs, he changed his profession from ceramic painting to pottery, and began to study under Ishiguro Munemaro.During the war, he was forced to rigorous labor at a military-controlled ceramic factory in Hokkaido, which gave him a long-term illness. From around 1961, he started making pots for planting his own bonsai, but he quickly became popular when other (more…)
Suzuki Osai 鈴木黄哉
1908- 1972malebizen potteryHis real name was Tadayoshi. Born in Gunma prefecture. He studied Kurita ware at the end of the Taisho era, under Kusube Yaichi. Moved to Imbe in 1926 and built a kiln. Active in literary exhibitions and contemporary craft exhibitions. Specialized in handiwork. (more…)
Sakaida Kakiemon 13th 十三代 酒井田柿右衛門
1906-1982malearita porcelainBorn in the traditional Kakiemon family as the eldest son of Kakiemon XII, he learned pottery from his father. When Kakiemon XII yet lived, he produced works as Sakaida Shibuo, and exhibited at Saga Prefecture Exhibition and Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition. After being repeatedly selected, in 1955, in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the first Kakiemon, his father, Kakiemon XII, and his son Masaru (14th Kakiemon) revived the Nigori-te technique. In 1963, with the death of his father, he was named Sakaida Kakiemon XIII.In the following year, he was recommended as a regular member of (more…)
Kusube Yaichi 楠部彌弌
1897-1984maleGraduated from the Kyoto Municipal Ceramics Experimental Station.Born to a family owning a ceramics export company in the Meiji era, he was familiar with pottery since he was a child.In 1924, he exhibited and won awards at the Paris World’s Fair. He also won awards at the Paris World’s Fair in 1936. In Japan, when the Technology Department was newly established in the Imperial Exhibition in 1927, he repeatedly held exhibitions and won the exhibition special selection award in 1932. Beyond submitting his works to the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (Nitten) after the war, he created Yoyosha in 1932 and (more…)
Ishii Furo 石井不老
1899-1964maleakashi potterybizen potteryBorn in Himeji City. His real name was Yosokichi. At first he learned Asagiri ware (one of the Akashi ware), and later pursued opening a kiln, Bizen tea pottery, and crafts in Inbe. Named Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1954. Mainly creating Bizen ware tea bowls. Excelled in handiwork, and his handleless tea pots received especially high praise. Engaged in red Shigaraki ware teacups in his later years and completed Aka ware. (more…)
Wakao Toshisada 若尾利貞
1933-maleshino potteryBorn in Tajimi. After graduating from junior high school, he worked at a ceramics factory while studying Shino-ware on his own. Went independent in 1970. Recipient of the Kato Kobei Award, Mino Newcomer’s Award, New Craft Award, other honors. Participant and award-winner at Chubu Art Exhibition, Gifu Prefectural General Design Exhibition, Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramics Exhibition, others. Solo exhibitions held at Nihonbashi Takashimaya, Nagoya Matsuzakaya, Tokyo Tsubogen, other venues. Member of the Japan Kogei Association. (more…)
Yoshida Shohachi 吉田荘八
1930-2011malekutani porcelainBorn in Ishikawa prefecture. Studied under Kitade Tojiro and Asakura Isokichi. Repeated selections, special selections, and uninspected selections for Nitten. Associate member of Nitten. Committee member of Nihon Shin-kogei. Recipient of Contemporary Craft Award, other honors. Former member of Gendai Kogei. Invited to judge the Ishikawa Prefectural Exhibition. Focused on Kutani-style painting and other techniques. (more…)
Yamada Hosei 山田宝生
1950-2016maletokoname potteryBorn in Tokoname City. He has been making kyusu teapots since 1971. Selected for the Tokai Traditional Craft Exhibition. Member of the Tokoname Handmade Kyusu Association. 1950 Born in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.1969 Graduated from Aichi Prefectural Tokoname High School, Ceramics Department.1971 Established Hosei studio.1977 Exhibited at the 1st Contemporary Sencha Exhibition. Exhibited several times thereafter.1983 Mayor’s Prize at the Exhibition for the Promotion of Ceramic Industry.1984 Chairman’s Prize, Exhibition for the Promotion of Ceramic Industry.1986 Selected, Tokai Traditional Craft Exhibition. Selected for the Chozo Prize at the Crafts Exhibition. Honorable Mention, Chozo Prize, Ceramic Industry Exhibition.1987 Minister of (more…)
Mori Togaku 森陶岳
1937-malebizen potteryHis real name is Saizo. He is the eldest son of Mori Hidetsugu, a member of the family of six Bizen kiln owners. In 1963, his work was selected for the first time for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and since then it has been purchased by the Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. He was awarded the President’s Prize at the East Chugoku Branch Exhibition. He is a regular member of Japan Kogei Association.In 1977, he built the Aioi-oh-gama Kiln (46 meters long climing kiln), and in 1981, he built the Kanpuzan-oh-gama Kiln (53-meter-long climbing kiln) at the Sabukaze (more…)
Miyamoto Tadao 宮本忠夫
1928-malekutani porcelainStudied under Matsumoto Sakichi . Awarded prizes at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and other local exhibitions. Mainly produces decorative vessels and vases in the old Kutani style. (more…)
Miura Koheiji 三浦小平二
1933-2006maleliving national treasureThe eldest son of Miura Kohei, head of a family working with Mumyoi-ware in Sado, Niigata prefecture. Graduated from the sculpture department of Tokyo University of the Arts in 1955. Studied under Kato Hajime. Worked as a lecturer for the ceramics course at the same university before retiring in 1971 and devoting himself full-time to ceramics. Became an assistant professor in the ceramics course of the same department in 1986. Recipient of the Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition Asahi Newspaper Award. Judge for the Excellence Award at the New Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Recipient of the Ministry of Education, (more…)
Maeda Akihiro 前田昭博
1954-maleliving national treasureFrom Kawahara, Yazu. Graduated from Osaka University of Arts with a Major in Ceramics. Started Yanase kiln named by Shimizu Kosho from Todai-ji. Won the National Youth Traditional Craft Art Exhibition Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education’s Award. Won the Shinsho Craft Art Exhibition Fine Work Award and the 40th Commemorative Exhibition Shinsho Honorable Mention Award. Won the Tanabe Museum of Art Tea Ceremony Form Exhibition Award of Excellence and other awards. Sold works to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by way of the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition. Selected for the Chunichi International Exhibition, Asahi Craft Exhibition, Japan Traditional (more…)
Fukami Sueharu 深見陶治
1947-maleFrom Kyoto. In 1967, selected for Japan Art Exhibition and many exhibitions after that. In 1984, won a special commendation at Japan Art Exhibition. The Art Festival “GENTEN” Memorial Award. Kyoto Mayor Award, and served as a judge. Nihon Shinkogei Exhibition Member Award. Chunichi International Exhibition of Ceramic Arts Grand Prix. Gold Award at “Premio Faenza” – The International Competition of Ceramic Art. 2019 Kyoto City Prize for Young Artists, etc. Personal exhibitions at Asahi Gallery Seihakuji (the Pale Blue glaze). (more…)
Wada Morihiro 和太守卑良
1944-2008malekasama potteryWada Morihiro met Tomimoto Kenkichi while studying at the previous incarnation of what is now the Kyoto City University of Arts, and received a request after graduation from the university’s president, Nagasaki Taro, to restore an old kiln in Aki, Kochi Prefecture. Later, in 1977, and established a kiln in the city of Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture.From 1975, he presented works every time during the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, and from 1980 he also began having works accepted every time in the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition. In 1983, he became an official member of the Japan Kogei Association. In (more…)
Yamada Sanan 山田山庵
1906-1995maleraku potteryWas an ardent student of tea ceremonies, antiques, and ceramics. Became even more devoted after graduating from university and marrying the daughter of a antique trader (Mr. Yamada) to become an adopted son.Also began building friendly relations with Nakamura Donen around 1934 and started making ceramics himself. Started imitating generational works by the Raku family at first and moved to Koetsu-style Raku ware, which was Donen’s specialty, after World War II. Also started researching Shino teacups around 1965 and studied under Suzuki Osamu from Tajimi, Gifu.Established the Japan Ceramic Club in 1967. Invited to exhibit at the 1st Japan (more…)
Miwa Kyusetsu 13th 十三代 三輪雪休
1951-malehagi potteryReal name is Miwa Kazuhiko. Born in Yamaguchi prefecture as the third son of the 11th Miwa Kyusetsu and the younger brother of Miwa Ryusaku (currently 12th generation Miwa Kyusetsu) and Miwa Eizo. Despite growing up in such a traditional household, he was strongly influenced by his eldest brother’s work and studied in the United States at SAI (San Francisco Art Institute) for seven years starting in 1975 to develop his molding and shaping skills. After returning to Japan, he pushed the boundaries of ceramic art, experimenting with fusing traditional Hagi-ware with his knowledge of objets d’arts. In addition (more…)
Miwa Kyusetsu 12th 十二代 三輪雪休
1940-malehagi potteryAlso as known as Miwa Ryukisho. Born the first son of MIWA Jusetsu XI in Hagi, Yamaguchi.1967 Complete the graduating process at Department of Pottery, Tokyo University of Art. Created his first major work “High Heel”1974 Build a kiln in Hagi1977 Appointed as a professor at Hagi Women’s Junior College1979 Become a member of International Academy of Ceramics1989 Japan Ceramic Awards1993 Established Hagi Tougeika Kyoukai, Hagi Society for Potters1999 Chugoku Cultural Award2003 Succeeded his name MIWA Kyusetsu XII2007 The exhibition of MIWA Kyusetsu, commemorating 25 anniversary of the friendship between Shandong Province, China and Yamaguchi Prefecture2011 Won a Gold prize at Japan Ceramic Society Award2019 Named himself Ryukisho (more…)
Miyagawa Kozan 2nd (Makuzu Kozan 2nd) 二代 宮川香山 (二代 真葛香山)
1858-1940malemakuzu potterySon of Chohei, brother of the 1st generation Makuzu Kozan, he often assisted his uncle in Yokohama making ceramics. After the 1st generation Kozan died in 1916, he was named 2nd generation Kozan. Inheriting his style from his uncle, he primarily produced sculptured vases, sculptured figurines and other works, often incorporating birds and flowers. More so than his predecessor, he based his work on scientific research into glazes, which allowed him to develop innovative new works that solidified the reputation of Makuzu-ware. (more…)
Miura Chikusen 2nd 二代 三浦竹泉
1882-1920malekyo potteryEldest son of the 1st generation Chikusen, he took on his father’s name as Chikusen (2nd generation) in 1915, and followed in his footsteps in producing sencha tea-ware. Just 5 years after succeeding his father, he passed away at the young age of 39. (more…)
Miura Chikusen 1st 初代 三浦竹泉
1854-1915malekyo potteryBorn in Kyoto where he studied under Takahashi Dohachi the 3rd. Opened an independent kiln in Gojozaka in 1883. Successfully researched and developed a transparent glaze that allowed the use of Western colors on porcelain. Continued to pursue successful innovations with experiments into new artistics frontiers such as incorporating pearls and coral into blue-white porcelain and engravings into yellow glaze. Primarily produced tea-ware such as vases, tea cups, and sake sets, but is probably most renowned for his sencha tea sets. (more…)
Miyagawa Kozan 1st (Makuzu Kozan 1st) 初代 宮川香山 (初代 真葛香山)
1842-1916malemakuzu potterymushiake potteryimperial household artistBorn the fourth son of Miyagawa Chozo, his older brother Chohei was first in line as successor to their father, but when Chohei died at a young age, Kozan stepped into the place left by his brother and took over the family business at the age of 19. He had studied painting under Daigado Yoshiaki of Sorinji prior to returning to succeed his father in 1868, after which he went to Okayama for technical guidance at the Mushiake kiln. Opened a kiln in Yokohama in 1971 with the aim of exporting ceramics (known from then on (more…)
Miyagawa Chozo (Makuzu Chozo 1st) 宮川長造 (初代 真葛長造)
1797-1860malemakuzu potterymushiake potteryBorn into the Miyagawa family, who had worked as glaze merchants for generations. After studying under Aoki Mokubei, he began making his own ceramics, producing excellent examples of ninsei-utsushi (replica of Ninsei) and Raku-ware as well as notable work in porcelain such as iron red overglaze, Cochin-ware, and blue-white porcelain. Because so many of his finest works were produced during his time working in Makatsugahara in Higashiyama, Kyoto, he received the name “Makuzu” from Kanshoji Temple’s Yasui Monzeki (Monzeki means temple headed by members of the royal family or nobility) and his work became known as “Makuzu-ware.” as (more…)
Masuda Donno 益田鈍翁
1848-1938maleMasuda Donno was the first son of Masuda Takanosuke, a director of the Sado magistrate’s office. In 1863, Donno traveled to Edo as the member of bakufu’s mission to Europe, and in 1872, he became the Fourth Class Ministry of Finance under Inoue Kaoru.In 1874, Donno established Senshu Company with Inoue Kaoru and was appointed the president.After Senshu Company was dissolved, he established the trading company Mitsui in 1876 and was appointed to become the manager (later the CEO), and began publication of Chugai Bukka Shimpo (currently known as The Nihon Keizai Newspaper, or Nikkei), making him one of the (more…)
Hosokawa Morihiro 細川護煕
1938-maleHosokawa Morihiro was born the first son of Hosokawa Morisada, the 15th generation head of the main Hosokawa family, which had been the feudal lord of Kumamoto for many generations. Hosokawa worked at the Asahi Newspaper after graduating college, was elected into the House of Representatives for the first time in 1971, and took on roles such as the Parliamentary Vice Minister of Finance. From 1983, Hosokawa worked as the prefectural governor of Kumamoto for eight years, then relocated to Tokyo where he formed a new parliamentary party in 1992. He was appointed as the head of the party and (more…)
Hon’ami Koho 本阿弥光甫
1601-1682maleraku potteryshigaraki potteryBorn in Kyoto. Studied under Hon’ami Koetsu and Raku Ichinyu.Born as the son of Hon’ami Kosa (and grandson of Hon’ami Koetsu), Koho inherited the family business of appraising katana and swords along with the artistic talents of the Koetsu style, becoming a master of ceramics, painting, calligraphy, and tea.Koho especially advanced in his pottery skills by studying under Raku Ichinyu, ordering potter’s clay from Shigaraki and creating tea bowls called Kuchu Shigaraki. Koho also gifted a book titled “Pottery Techniques” that was passed down to him from his grandfather to Kenzan Shinsei. (more…)
Heian Kozan 1st 初代 平安香山
1905-1989maleReal name Koike Kazuo. Called himself Heian Kooh. Heian Kozan was born to a pottery household in Seto, learned pottery from his father, and began creating bonsai pots from 1924.Kozan was enlisted in the war in 1940 and entered military service in China, and stopped creating pottery after the war due to the unstable economy. In 1964, he rebuilt his studio with an electric kiln and began to create.Moreover, he changed his artist name from Kozan to Kouo in 1973, passing on the Kozan artist name to his son Katsunobu. However, Kozan the Second later closed the pottery business. While (more…)
Heian Tofukuji 平安東福寺
1890-1970maleReal name is Mizuno Kizaburo. Heian Tofukuji was adopted by Kyoto’s comb craftsman Mizuno Zenzaburo (artist name: Anrakuen), and began his career as an assistant to Zenzaburo. However, he took an interest in bonsai due to the influence of his adoptive father.However, as the material celluloid became widely circulated, the family was forced to shut down the comb-making business, and Tofukuji made the decision to switch to making bonsai pots.Tofukuji rented a kiln near Tofukuji Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and started creating under the name “Anrakuen Kisan,” a combination of his father’s artist name and real name. However, at the (more…)
Fukushima Buzan 福島武山
1944-malekutani porcelainFrom Ishikawa Prefecture. Spent many years studying and pursuing traditional techniques of detailed red paintings for Kutani ware, which prospered during the late Edo period to the Meiji era. One of the best painters of modern Kutani ware artists.Mainly thrived at the Sozo Bijutsu Exhibition, Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, and private exhibitions. In addition to winning awards during the aforementioned exhibitions, won the Tokyo Governor’s Award, the Asahi Newspaper Special Award, and the Hokka Award at the Sozo Bijutsu Exhibition, the Award of Excellence, the Technical Award, and the Honorable Mention Award at the Traditional Kutani Ware Craft Exhibition, (more…)
Fukunaga Ikuo 福永幾夫
1961-malekutani porcelainAfter graduating from junior college, studied under master Miyamoto Tadao of painted Kutani ware and studied ceramic techniques and ceramic painting.Later started a kiln in 1991 and became independent. Selected for the Sozo Bijutsu Exhibition, Traditional Kutani Exhibition, and other exhibitions. Also presented works at private exhibitions in galleries.Developed products by arranging Ko-Kutani ware in a modern fashion. (more…)
Hineno Sakuzo 日根野作三
1901-1984malemino potteryWorked at the Kyoto National Ceramic Experimental Institute since the end of World War II and researched designs for new vessels. After retirement, endeavored to instruct the youth about ceramic techniques in Toki, Tokoname, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Shigaraki, and other locations as a free ceramic designer. Guided Tsukamoto Kaiji, who became a living national treasure, and numerous other excellent potters. Hamada Shoji even wrote in his book that 80% of modern ceramic designs at the time were influenced by him.Preferred to create Raku ware, such as Kuro Raku teabowls. (more…)
Hayashi Kuniyoshi 林邦佳
1949-maleStudied Japanese painting under Nishimura Shojiro in 1967 and enrolled in the Faculty of Sculpture at Nihon University College of Art the following year. Later dropped out and studied abroad in various countries in Asia and the United States. Started working at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Nagoya Industrial Experimental Institute in 1973, researched the science behind Chinese antique porcelain, and started a kiln in Suhara, Seto in 1975 to become independent. Cooperated in the establishment of MOA Mexico Ceramic School in 1982. Activities are focused on private exhibitions. Won the 2004 Japan Ceramic Society President’s (more…)
Hayashi Kyosuke 林恭助
1962-maleEntered Toki Municipal Ceramic Experimental Institute in 1985 as a trainee. Selected for the 30th Ceramic Design Competition the following year. Studied under the living human treasure Kato Kozo in 1989 and produced a ceramic tile as the symbolic monument for the “Chubu no Takumikan” World Design Exposition in the same year. Started a kiln in his home and became independent. Selected for the 20th Tokai Traditional Craft Exhibition and won the Best Work Award at the 43rd Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition. Also won numerous awards at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition and other exhibitions. Succeeded in recreating the Yohen (more…)
Hayama Yuki 葉山有樹
1961-malearita porcelainStarted training at the local Imari ware kiln in 1975 for 10 years. Started a kiln in Yamauchi, Saga in 1985 and became independent. Held his first private exhibition at the ANA Hotel in 1990. Presented works at galleries across Japan thereafter.Also exhibited at the Uraku Main Gallery in 1991 and held an exhibition at the German Culture Center in 1998.Engaged in elaborate paintings using perspective methods that make the paintings appear to be of a solid color from afar but elaborate from up close.Works include incense burners, vases, and decorative plates. (more…)
Nishimura Shunko 西村春湖
1886-1953maleawata potterybizen potteryBorn in Kyoto. Studied ceramics under Aoyama Shunko, the Awata ware potter. Moved to Imbe in Bizen around the late Meiji era and started a kiln.Focused on researching Bizen ware thereafter and left countless masterpieces of lion, human, and bird sculptures, as well as excellent teapots with elaborate shapes. Known at the time as one of the 3 master Bizen potters along with Mimura Tokei and Kaneshige Toyo.After Shunko’s passing, the Shunko-en studio was established by volunteers to honor his techniques.To add, Shunko’s representative pupils include the late Uragami Zenji, the prefectural intangible cultural property. (more…)
Hibata Koken 日幡光顕
1920-2002malebizen potteryMade handmade handle-less Japanese teapots in 1960. Retired as director from the Bizen Community Center in 1970 and devoted himself full-time to ceramics. Recognised as a Person of Cultural Merit in Okayama prefecture. Secretary and jury member for Bizen Ceramics Association, Japan Kogei Association East Chugoku Branch. Participant and award winner at Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japan Ceramics Exhibition, others. Held solo exhibitions at Osaka Hankyu, Gifu Kintetsu, Seibu Ikebukuro, Nipponbashi, Nagoya Mitsukoshi, others. Member of the Japan Kogei Association. (more…)
Yoshita Minori 吉田美統
1938-malekutani porcelainliving national treasureBorn to a family with generations of gold leaf Kutani ware artists, he worked as a pottery artist apprentice under his grandfather after the early death of his father, and succeeded the three generation Kinzangama workshop in 1951.He was first selected to the Ishikawa Prefecture Art Exhibition in 1964, and flourished in many shows thereafter, appearing at the Issuikai Exhibition in 1978, being displayed at the Japan Industrial Arts Exhibition in 1974, winning the Issuikai award in 1978, receiving the 1982 member award, honorable mention at the 1984 Japan Industrial Arts Exhibition, being awarded the Takamatsunomiya memorial (more…)
Yamamoto Toshu 山本陶秀
1906-1994malebizen potteryliving national treasureAfter graduating from elementary school, he began pottery in 1921 as a Bizen-ware pottery apprentice, then in 1933 he started his own independent kiln. In 1938 he became a student of Kusube Yaichi and trained in modeling and handling of the potter’s wheel.In 1939 he won the Excellence Award at the Art Crafts Exhibition of Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu Regions, and in 1948 he was certified as a preserver of his characteristic technique which was based on the potter’s wheel technique he learned from Yaichi, and had an added feeling of speed and sharpness. In 1954 he (more…)
Yamada Jozan 3rd 三代 山田常山
1924-2005maletokoname potteryliving national treasureBorn the eldest son of the second generation Yamada Jozan, he studied under his father and grandfather, who was the first generation Jozan, while attending school, in order to inherit the family business.In 1947, after the death of the first generation, his father succeeded the name as Jozan, and Minoru took on the name his father used to have, Sho-jozan (means little Jozan).In 1958, he was chosen for a prize for the first time in the Fifth Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, and he received the Grand Prix at the Brussels International Exposition in the same year. After (more…)
Yamada Jozan 1st 初代 山田常山
1868-1942maletokoname potteryHis real name was Hamajiro.He studied the craft of pottery at Ina Sosuke’s ceramic factory.After that, he refined his technique at Koie Hojyu’s Mt. Kanashima (ceramic factory) and became independent after several years.Since then, he devoted himself to making teapots with a potter’s wheel.He took pride in his graceful Chinese-style teapots and he is known for leaving behind numerous masterpieces that are fitting for a master craftsman. (more…)
Tsukigata Nahiko 月形那比古
1923-2006maleshino potteryThe founder of OnishinoBorn to a father who was a stone sculptor, and a mother who was a flower arranger, Nahiko’s artistic sensibilities were nurtured from a young age. After graduating university, he encountered the pottery of Toyozo Arakawa, and was profoundly moved. This inspired him to recreate ancient Momoyama period kilns in Ooya, Gifu Prefecture (The Kiln of Heaven, The Kiln of Earth) and begin making ceramics. He also built kilns at Gotomaki Pass (The Kiln of Heart, The Kiln of Man), with 4 in existence. From the beginning he presented mainly solo exhibitions, with over 200 domestic (more…)
Tomimoto Kenkichi 富本憲吉
1886-1963maleliving national treasureAfter graduating from Tokyo School of Fine Arts’ Design Department, he gained the favor of Howard Leach, thus starting his aspirations to become a ceramic artist. The following year, he opened his own kiln in his hometown of Ando City.He began with a focus on hand-molden earthenware replicas and other earthenware, then proceeded to research Japanese antique kilns such as those of Shigaraki and Seto. Further, he traveled to Korea and included Joseon dynasty pottery molding in his works. In 1927, he moved his kiln to Soshigaya, Tokyo, and had his works featured the following year in 1928 (more…)
Tokuda Yasokichi 1st 初代 徳田八十吉
1873-1956malekutani porcelainAt Matsumoto Sakame’s workshop, he studied such conventional techniques as those for making antiquated Kutani replications, Yoshida-ya replications, as well as the aka-e techniques. Following this, he created his characteristic Shinko glaze.He also taught such pupils as the second and third generation Yasokichis, along with Asakura Isokichi. As of today, he is renowned as a leader in dyed pottery figure glaze. In 1953, he became the first figure in Kutani ware to become designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (a Living National Treasure).His works became highly valued for being ceramics made with refined coloring techniques and precision, and (more…)
Tamura Koichi 田村耕一
1916-1987malemashiko potteryliving national treasureAfter graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, he served as a teacher in Osaka for a while. He first became interested in ceramics around this time, but resigned due to his conscription.After WWII, he studied ceramics techniques in Kyoto under Tomimoto Kenkichi, then returned to his hometown, Tochinoki. In 1948 he took part in establishing Akami ware in Sano, Tochigi prefecture. The same year, he exhibited at the second Tochigi Art Festival, where he was noticed by Hamada Shoji. In 1950 he became a technical official for the Tochigi Prefectural Ceramics Coaching Center. In 1953 he (more…)
Suzuki Osamu 鈴木蔵
1934-maleshino potteryliving national treasureFollowing his graduation from High School, Suzuki Osamu began employment at Maruko Toen where he researched such topics as glaze application. At this time he also assisted his father, who was a ceramics engineer, in producing works.Thereafter, he continued to produce works with his attention on the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition. In 1959, he was first selected in the form of an honorable mention from the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition. Then, in 1961, they awarded him the Award of Excellence of the First Degree. He was given his first award from (more…)
Simizu Uichi 清水卯一
1916-2004malekyo potteryliving national treasureBorn into a ceramics wholesalers in Higashiyama, Kyoto, he aspired to be a pottery artist at around 15 years of age and studied under Ishiguro Munemaro.In 1951, he was chosen for a prize for the first time in the Seventh Japan Fine Arts Exhibition, and he displayed his works in the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, which was newly started in 1955 and was presided over by the Japan Kogei Association. He received the Japan Kogei Association President Award of this exhibition in 1960.During this time, he also took part in the formation of societies such as the (more…)
Shimaoka Tatsuzo 島岡達三
1919-2007malemashiko potteryliving national treasureBorn in 1919 (eighth year of the Taisho era), the eldest son of Shimaoka Yonekichi, a braid maker from Atago, Tokyo. In his third year of high school, inspired by works of Kawai Kanjiro and Hamada Shoji he had witnessed at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, he resolved to become a potter. In 1939, he enrolled in the ceramics department at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. The following year, he visited Mashiko to meet with Hamada, who agreed to accept Shimaoka as his apprentice. However, in 1942, following the breakout of the Pacific War, Shimaoka joined a (more…)
Sakaida Kakiemon 14th 十四代 酒井田柿右衛門
1934-2013malearita porcelainliving national treasureBorn the eldest son of the 13th generation Kakiemon, he learned pottery from his father as well as his grandfather (the 12th generation Kakiemon.) He was chosen for a prize for the first time in the 28th Issuikai Exhibition in 1966. He was also chosen for a prize for the first time in the First Western Japan Kogei Exhibition, which was newly established in the same year.From that point onward, he continued to display his works in the Saga Prefecture Exhibition and, from 1968, the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition. In 1971, he was nominated for full member (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 15th Jikinyu 十五代 楽吉左衛門 直入
1949-maleraku potteruJikinyu, was born as Kakunyu’s eldest son of the 14th generation of the Raku family. His childhood name was Mitsuhiro, and he later took the name Sokichi.After graduating from the sculpture department of Tokyo University of Arts in 1973, he went to Italy to study at the Accademia di Roma. During his stay in Rome, he learned the art of tea ceremony from Nojiri Tomoko. He returned to Japan from Italy in 1976 and his father, Kakunyu, died four years later. The next year, Jikinyu was given the title ‘Kichizaemon the 15th’. His first solo exhibition commemorated the title (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 14th Kakunyu 十四代 楽吉左衛門 覚入
1918-1980maleraku potteryBorn as the eldest son of thirteenth generation Raku master Seinyu, his birth name was Yoshihisa but was later changed to Sokichi. He graduated from the Tokyo Fine Arts School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) with a degree in sculpture in 1940. Afterwards, he returned to his home province, and with his father having already passed away the year prior, he inherited the mantle of Kichizaemon at the age of 28. Upon returning home, Kakunyu had to reestablish the Raku family and begin making pottery literally on his own. It was after 1955 that Kakunyu is thought to (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 13th Seinyu 十三代 楽吉左衛門 惺入
1887-1944maleraku potteryBorn as the eldest son of Konyu who was 12th generation in his family. His birth name was Sokichi, and he was later renamed Yoshihide. In 1919, he succeeded the family at age 33 after Konyu retired. In 1944, he died without retiring at age 58. Seinyu loved tea ceremony from the bottom of his heart and worked hard for the prosperity of the culture of the tea ceremony. He published a series of research journals on tea ceremony called “Sado seseragi” between 1935 and 1942, which was a groundbreaking attempt for both research on tea ceremony and enlightenment, (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 12th Konyu 十二代 楽吉左衛門 弘入
1857-1932maleraku potteryBorn as the first son of Keinyu, Raku the 11th. Inherits the family estate at age 15, passes the estate to his eldest son Seinyu at age 63 and retires. He dies at age 76. Konyu is said to have had a mild temperament and exerted all his effort for the survival of the Raku family. He enjoyed poem, and led a secluded life at the summer house in Ishiyama in Shiga Prefecture, indulged in art as he created potteries. He has left many poems such as “as I play around with soil, my 76th autumn arrives”, “time has (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 11th Keinyu 十一代 楽吉左衛門 慶入
1817-1902maleraku potteryBorn as the third son of Naohachi Ogawa, a sake brewer from Tamba Province, in what is present-day Kokubu, Chitose-cho in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture. He first went by the name Sokichi, and he was later renamed Yoshitsura. At the age of 11, he was adopted by Tannyu X, later taking Tannyu’s daughter Myokoku as his wife. At the age of 29, he succeeded Tannyu as patriarch of the family, taking the name Kichizaemon. At the age of 55 he went into retirement, and passed away at 86. His period as an active ceramicist was second only to Ryonyu (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 10th Tannyu 十代 楽吉左衛門 旦入
1795-1854maleraku pottery9th generation, Ryonyu’s second son. His father, Ryonyu retired at the age of 56, but since his older brother died young, Tannyu succeeded as the family head at the age of 17. He retired at the age of 51 and changed his name to Tannyu, taking the “Tan” character from Soutan from the Omotesen family 10th generation Kyukosai. Tannyu and the Kishu Tokugawa family came to have a deeper connection than ever before. In the second year of the Bunsei era when Tannyu was 25 years old, the 10th generation of the Kishu Tokugawa family, Lord Harutomi opened an (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 9th Ryonyu 九代 楽吉左衛門 了入
1756-1834maleraku potteryRyonyu was the second son of Chonyu, the seventh generation head. Because his elder brother, Tokunyu the eighth generation, was in poor health, Ryonyu inherited the head of the household at age 15. From that point on he led a long life crafting ceramics, until his passing at the age of 79. He lost his father at age 15, his elder brother at 19, and when he was 33, all of the family’s works since the time of Chojiro were lost in the Great Tenmei Fire (also known as ‘Donguri Yake’ the Acorn Blaze) that burned most of Kyoto (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 8th Tokunyu 八代 楽吉左衛門 得入
1745-1774maleraku potteryHe was born as the eldest son of Chonyu, the 7th head. He was named Sokichi at birth and he was later renamed Eisei. He inherited the headship at 18, but when his father Chonyu passed away when he was 26, he also passed on the headship to his younger brother Sojiro (later Ryonyu), who was 15, because he had a weak constitution. He changed his name to Sabe and retired. He never married and passed away at the young age of 30. The name “Tokunyu” was given to him on the occasion of the 25th memorial service to (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 7th Chonyu 七代 楽吉左衛門 長入
1714-1770maleraku potteryBorn as the eldest son of the 6th generation Sanyu, he took over as the head of the family and didn’t retire until age 49, later passing away at age 57. Since taking on this new role, he worked tirelessly making pottery and ceramics for 40 years. His original name was Sokichi, and he was later renamed Eisei. After Chojiro started on the Raku tea bowls, they were followed up by potters Jokei and Donyu to give them a more modern decorative effect, changing them quite drastically. During the era of Ichiiri and Sonyu, there was a return to (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 4th Ichinyu 四代 楽吉左衛門 一入
1640-1696maleraku potteryIchinyu’s wife was the daughter of the maki-e painter, Kumagaya Muneaki (Soukan), and they lived close to her family home for a time during the Kanbun era. For a while, he and his wife were unable to bear any children, but when he was 23 years old, they had a boy (Ichigen) and in addition, they adopted a boy (Sounyu) from Kariganeya Sanemon. After that, they had a daughter, Otsu (Myotsu), who later became Sounyu’s wife. There was a period of time when Ichigen was taken in by the Raku family, and there are also records of Ichigen and (more…)
Raku Kichizaemon 3rd Donyu 三代 楽吉左衛門 道入
1599-1656maleraku potteryDonyu, who was Jokei’s first son (Doraku being the 2nd) and a 2nd generation Raku-family descendant, went by the pseudonym or artist name Kichibe or Kichizaemon during his life, however, many people call him by his nickname ‘Nonko’.Nobody clearly knows when Donyu began pottery making, however, he had enough time to learn pottery from his father, Jokei, and it’s thought that he also learned it from Honami Koetsu (a famous potter). Donyu tried to develop a new raku ware style based on Rikyu-style tea bowls while incorporating his style and early Edo period trends.It was considered that Koetsu developed (more…)
Raku Chojiro (Raku Kichizaemon 1st) 楽長次郎 (初代 楽吉左衛門)
?-1589maleraku potteryA son of Ayame and Hikuni, he was the founder of Raku style of pottery (Raku ware), which was hand molded without the use of a pottery wheel. He made the Raku pottery studio with Tanaka Soke, as well as Joke and Somi who were Soke’s sons. It is said that Chojiro’s wife was Somi’s daughter.Chojiro made a new style of pottery, which was inspired by the ideas of Rikyu, famous amongst the general public. This work is also known as “raku chawan“ (hand molded tea bowl) with its origins stemming from Raku pottery. Raku ware has its roots (more…)
Otagaki Rengetsu 太田垣蓮月
1791-1875femaleawata potteryShe was a Buddhist nun who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Japanese poets of the 19th century. She was adopted at a young age by the Otagaki family. It is said that she didn’t live a happy life because she lost her adoptive father and five brothers from illness. She married, but her husband died soon after. She remarried but lost this husband too from illness after only four years, as well as her young son and three young daughters. She joined the temple Chion-in and became a nun, taking Rengetsu (“Lotus Moon”) as her Buddhist (more…)
Ohi Toshiro (Ohi Chozaemon 10th) 大樋年朗 (十代 大樋長左衛門)
1927-maleohi potteryAs the 10th generation Ohi Chozaemon, he inherited the Ohi ware family business, which was a traditional method of producing tea pottery from the feudal government period. On the side, he presented and displayed works that had adopted a modern feel in exhibitions, mainly the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. He continued to be chosen for prizes and receive awards, becoming active as a central artisan in the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition.He uses the name, “10th Generation Ohi Chozaemon” for his traditional Ohi ware works. However, he uses the name he had before his succession as it is, “Ohi Toshiro,” (more…)
Ohi Chozaemon 9th 九代 大樋長左衛門
1901-1986maleohi potteryAfter graduating from Ishikawa Technical School, he devoted himself to the family business, and he was chosen for a prize for the first time in the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce Kogei Exhibition in 1920. In 1925, he inherited the family estate and succeeded the name as the ninth generation Ohi Chozaemon. He earnestly studied traditional pottery techniques, and received high praise at his private exhibition, “Twelve Months Tea Bowl Exhibition” in 1936. In 1940, he was bestowed the Chozaemon sign from Konoe Fumimaro, and he was acknowledged as a Preserver of Kogei Techniques in 1942. From 1958, he (more…)
Sasaki Niroku 佐々木二六
1857-1935maleniroku potteryBorn in Muramatsu Village, Uma County (now Shikokuchuo City). His real name is Rokutaro. Born into a family involved in tile manufacturing for generations.He took over the family’s tile manufacturing business.In 1883, while in Tokushima, he was impressed by the live dolls of Matsumoto Kisaburo, one of Japan’s foremost Kumamoto doll makers, and became passionate about doll making. He visited potteries in various parts of Japan for further research, and in 1887, he came up with the idea of carving the opposite side of Soma ware of Fukushima Prefecture, focusing on the raised carvings. He studied carving landscapes, flowers and (more…)
Saka Koraizaemon 12th 十二代 坂高麗左衛門
1949-2004malehagi potteryReal name is Saka Tatsuo. At university and graduate school, he mainly did research on Japanese painting techniques for solo exhibitions, but after graduating from graduate school, he married the daughter of the 11th generation Saka Koraizaemon of the Hagi-yaki Kiln, Saka Motoko and entered the Saka family as a son-in-law. He started pottery from 1984 after being at the Kyoto Industrial Research Institute for Ceramics and presented works at the Traditional Crafts New Work Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition etc. In 1988, he received the NHK Yokohama Broadcasting Award in a New Works Exhibition, and in (more…)
Sakakura Shinbe 12th 十二代 坂倉新兵衛
1884-1960malehagi potteryBorn as the eldest son of the 11th generation Sakakura Shinbe, he inherited the family business.He was someone who deepened his knowledge by learning tea ceremony from Sugi Minji(Yoshida Shoin’s older brother) and Sokuchusai masters, and revived the Hagi-ware industry, which had fallen into decline since the abolition of feudal domain kilns. He was called the most recent ‘ancestor of rejuvenation’ for Hagi-ware together with the 10th generation Miwa Kyusetsu, and it was certified as a designated cultural property of Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1955.Traditional Hagi tea bowls, and Ido Chawan, etc. (more…)
Sakaida Kakiemon 12th 十二代 酒井田柿右衛門
1878-1963malearita porcelainBorn as the eldest son of the 11th generation Kakiemon, he succeeded to the name of 12th Kakiemon with the death of his father in 1917.In 1919, Obata Hideyoshi and Kakiemon established a limited partnership and started to use ‘Kakufuku’ on their products, but upon leaving the company in 2016, the ‘Kakufuku’ seal became the company’s property and so the Sakaida family began to use ‘Work of Kakiemon’ on their products. During that time, he showed success through things like winning the silver medal at the Kyushu-Okinawa Prefectural Association Prize Show in 1919, and being designated as an arts (more…)
Kitaoji Rosanjin 北大路魯山人
1883-1959maleoribe potteryBorn in Kitaoji-cho, Kamigamo in Kyoto in 1883 (Meiji 16). Rosanjin’s birth was a result of his mother having an affair and his father, disgusted by this, committed seppuku suicide 4 months before Rosanjin was born. He had a poverty-stricken childhood and was put into foster care as soon as he was born, being passed on to various loveless adoptive households where he suffered abuse until he settled into the Fukuda household at age 6. One day, while running an errand for the place where he worked, he saw the sign for a restaurant in town called ‘Kamemasa’ on (more…)
Miwa Kyusetsu 11th 十一代 三輪休雪
1910-2012malehagi potteryliving national treasureBorn the third son of the Miwa kiln’s ninth generation Kyusetsu (Setsudo) of Hagi ware tradition, Miwa Kyusetsu studied under his father and older brother (the 10th generation Kyusetsu: Kyuwa) after graduating middle school, and also studied under Kawakita Handeishi.After a long period of training, he took on the pottery artist name “Kyu” and displayed his work in 1955. He was chosen for a prize for the first time in the Fourth Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition in 1957, and he continued to be chosen for prizes from that point onward. In 1960, he was nominated for member (more…)
Miwa Kyusetsu 10th 十代 三輪休雪
1895 – 1981malehagi potteryliving national treasureHe was born as a child of the 9th Miwa Kyusetsu (Setudo) of the Miwa Kiln of the traditional Hagi Pottery. After he had been disciplined and influenced by his father and his grandfather (the 8th Kyusetsu: Setsuzan), he inherited his family business and in 1927 he inherited the professional name as the 10th Kyusetsu.He has worshiped and adored works of generations of Kyusetu, and devoted himself to the research of kaolin. Eventually he combined the Hagi clay and white glaze to complete the unique glaze called “Kyusetsujiro”. He has also added the character of (more…)
Matsui Kosei 松井康成
1927-2003malekasama potteryliving national treasureAfter graduating from university, he was inaugurated as 24th chief priest of the Tsukiso Jodo Temple in Kasama, Ibaraki prefecture in 1957.In 1959, he began restoring the old kiln at the temple’s gate, conducting unique research into ancient pottery from China, Korea and Japan. Further, from 1967 he received training from Tamura Koichi, dedicating himself to the study of Chinese kneading and inlaying techniques in particular. He first exhibited “Renjo te obachi” at the 9th Traditional Kogei Exhibition, receiving an honorable mention award. Thereafter, he amassed displays at every exhibition, and repeatedly amassed various awards such as (more…)
Koyama Fujio 小山富士夫
1900-1975maleCommittee chairman of the Japan Society of Oriental Ceramic Studies and board chairman of the Japan Kogei Association. After leaving university mid term, he devoted himself to the study of ceramics at Seto and Kyoto, and established himself as a potter in 1925.However, in 1930 he became an Oriental Ceramics Research Institute employee, suspending his pottery work to devote himself to ceramics and porcelain research. In 1941 he served at the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum, joining in with the work of selecting Designated Cultural Properties. After retiring from the museum in 1961, he started to make pottery again from 1964, (more…)
Kondo Yuzo 近藤悠三
1902-1985maleliving national treasureKondo Yuzo was designated a living national treasure and left a remarkable legacy to Japanese ceramics. He was born in 1902 on the very site of this memorial museum, just outside the gate of Kiyomizu Temple. At the age of 12, he entered the training facility of the Ceramics Laboratory to learn to use the potter’s wheel. It was there that he met Kawai Kanjiro and Hamada Shoji.Starting when he was 19, he spent three years as an assistant to Tomimoto Kenkichi in Nara.He established his own studio in the same area when he was 22. There he (more…)
Kawakita Handeishi 川喜田半泥子
1878-1963maleA wealthy cotton merchant from Ise born to the Kawakita Kyudaku household, he was separated from his parents and became the head of the family at around 1. He took the name of Kyudaku the 16th, and received training in Zen and so on from his grandmother (what is currently called “emperor studies”). After graduating from Waseda University, he took on his father’s occupation, also working as a Hyakugo Bank board member in 1903 before becoming Hyakugo’s president in 1919, and its chairman in 1945. He also served as a member of the Mie prefectural assembly.During this time he also (more…)
Kawai Kanjiro 河井寛次郎
1890-1966maleAfter graduating from Tokyo Higher Polytechnical School, Kawai worked and studied at the Kyoto Research Institute for Ceramics. In 1920, he built his own independent kiln in Gojozaka (inherited from Kiyomizu Rokubey V), and married Tsune Kawai (née Mikami Yasu) the same year.His first ceramics exhibition was held the following year at Tokyo’s Takashimaya Department Store. From the beginning, he studied ancient Chinese and Korean ceramics, and was highly praised for developing pieces with ever more unique molds, but he held doubts about his style, and temporarily ceased to make pottery. It was around this time he was introduced to (more…)
Kato Tokuro 加藤唐九郎
1896-1985malemino potteryKato Tokuro was born the eldest son of Seto potter Kano Sojiro, and as a child displayed a talent for painting in the Nanga style, for composing Chinese poetry, as well as for ceramics, which he practiced under his father. In 1914, he was granted partial rights to his father’s round kiln, marking the start of his own kiln construction and ceramics.In 1918, he married Kato Kinu and took the family name Kato.He devoted himself to surveying the old Seto kilns and researching traditional Seto techniques, allowing him to reproduce Shino and Oribe ware. In 1929, he founded the (more…)
Seifu Yohei 3rd 三代 清風与平
1850-1914malekyo potteryimperial household artistBorn 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 (more…)