Japanese potters

Nakazato Taiyo 中里太陽

1977-malemikawachi porcelainBorn in Mikawachi-cho, Sasebo, Nagasaki1994Grand Prize, Mikawachi Ware Ceramic Works Exhibition1995Graduated from the Ceramics Department of Saga Prefectural Arita Technical High School1997Graduated from the Department of Social Welfare, Kyoei Gakuen Junior College (Bachelor of Social Work)1999Studied abroad in the U.S.2000Trained in ceramics in the Netherlands (5 months)2006Became the eighteenth generation of the Kosho Dan’emon Kiln in HiradoReceived a honorable mention at the Nagasaki Ceramics Exhibition.2003Nagasaki Ceramic Exhibition, Award for Encouragement of Traditional Production2012Jury Prize, Nagasaki Ceramic Exhibition2007Chairman of the Mikawachi Porcelain Hamazen Festival Executive CommitteeDedicated to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (more…)

Nakamura Seigo 中村清吾

1975-malearita porcelainBorn as the grandson of Nakamura Seiroku, the holder of Saga Prefecture’s Important Intangible Cultural Property, ceramic white porcelain1998After graduating from Kyushu University, apprenticed at Seiroku Kiln2004Became a member of the Arita Ceramic Association2005Awarded as a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association for his achievements in being selected for four consecutive years at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.2007Exhibited at the West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionExhibited at the Kyushu National Museum2008Awarded the Japan Crafts Association Prize at the New Ceramic Works Exhibition.2010Saga Bank Cultural Foundation Newcomer Award (more…)

Nakao Hidezumi 中尾英純

1956-malearita porcelainBorn in Arita Town1979Underwent training at the Saga Ceramics Research Institute1985Awarded second prize in the second section of the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition1988Awarded the Encouragement Prize at the West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition.Selected for the first time at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.1989Silver Prize, Western Japan Craft Exhibition, Asahi Newspaper, Japan.Second Prize, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition, JapanMinister of International Trade and Industry Award, West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition.1990Issuikai Prize2000Exhibited at the Saga Ceramic Art Exhibition at the British Museum, England.2001Awarded the Newcomer’s Prize of the Saga Bank Cultural Foundation.2003Awarded the Encouragement Prize at the West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition.Awarded the Encouragement (more…)

Nakamura Emiko 中村ゑ美こ

1947-femaleBorn in Arita, Saga Prefecture, the eldest daughter of Nakamura Seiroku.1968 Joined Arita Bussan Co., Ltd. and studied dyeing under Maeda Taisho and Saito Ben2006 First prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionHeld the Seiroku Kiln 3rd generation Nakamura Seiroku, Emiko, and Seigo Exhibition at Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo in 2008.2011 Recognized as a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association2014 Exhibited and collected by the Museum of Ceramic Art, Ibaraki, Contemporary Ceramic Art “Phenomenon (more…)

Nakao Ryuzumi 中尾龍純

1953-malearita porcelainBorn in Arita-cho, Saga Prefecture1974 Studied the potter’s wheel under Inoue Manji, a “Living National Treasure” at the Ceramic Research Institute1976 Studied painting under Ide Manta1979 Awarded a prize at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition for the first time (since then, he has been selected and awarded 19 times)1980 Awarded a prize at the Seibu Kogei Exhibition for the first time (since then, he has been selected and awarded prizes 14 times)1981 Awarded a prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition for the first time (since then, selected and awarded 9 times)1982 Selected for the first time at the Issuikai (more…)

Nakao Tetsuaki 中尾哲彰

1952-maleDeveloped the galaxy glaze. He won many awards in Europe and the Middle East, including Spain, Holland, France, Turkey, and Italy, and gained high acclaim abroad. The name “Tetsuaki Nakao” is inscribed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.Born in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture1981 Joined the Kyushu Association of Contemporary Craft Artists of Japan1982 Exhibited for the first time at Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition)1992 Acquired by the Laboratory of the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts, Beijing, China; acquired by the Nansong Guanwu Museum, Hangzhou, China1994 Collection of Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado2003 Grand Prix “Prix de l’Édition” at (more…)

Fukumura Ryuta 福村龍太

1989-maleHis calm works, fired in a climbing kiln, make the most of natural materials, and the beauty of the glaze stands out in their simplicity.　Since 2015, he has been spending a month every year in New York City, U.S.A., to make pottery. He has been active in solo exhibitions and at department stores nationwide. (more…)

Nakao Jun 中尾純

1977-malearita porcalainBorn in Arita Town, 1977. After graduating from Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic College, he studied pottery for 7 years and 8 months under “Living National Treasure” Inoue Manji, and began to make pottery at his family’s pottery studio, Nakasen-gama.2009He was selected for the first time at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.Selected for the first time at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.2015Awarded the Asahi Newspaper Grand Prize at the Western Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2016Won the Saga Prefecture Governor’s Prize at the Arita International Ceramics Exhibition2020Newcomer’s Prize, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2022Winner of the Arita Mayor’s Prize at the Arita International Ceramics (more…)

Tamura Seito 田村星都

1980-femaleShe was born in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture2004Graduated from University of Tsukuba, Faculty of International and Comprehensive StudiesStudied under Tamura Keisei, the third generation of brush calligrapher2007Completed the practical training course at the Ishikawa Prefecture Kutaniyaki Technical Training Institute2010Opened a studio in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture2011Held a solo exhibition at the Seibu Shibuya Store (2012)Exhibited at Mitsukoshi Nihombashi main store, “Contemporary Artists’ Tea Bowl Special” (2012, 2013)Participated in the “Sake Cup Exhibition” at Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Department Store (2012, 2013).2012Held a solo exhibition at the Tokyu Department Store in Nagano.Exhibition at Seibu Ikebukuro Department Store, Tokyo.Participated in ART OSAKA 2012.Traditional Art (more…)

Tamamura Shinichi 玉村信一

1969-malehagi potteryBorn in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture2000Completed Master’s program in Law, Graduate School of Social Sciences, Hiroshima UniversityStudied under his father, Tamamura Toyo. Began making pottery.2001Selected for the 36th Seibu Kogei Exhibition (selected six times since then, and selected consecutively since 2010)2007Participated in the 1st Korea-Hagi Ceramic Exchange Exhibition in Seoul.2014Selected for the 61st Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2015Selected for the 23rd Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition (more…)

Takemura Yotaro 竹村陽太郎

1981-malekyo potteryBorn in Kyoto2009 Completed Molding Course, Kyoto Prefectural College of Ceramic Technology2010 Completed the course at Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research InstituteBegan making pottery at Dainichi kiln under his father Takemura Shigeo.2011 Selected for the 40th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (since then, selected every year)2012 Selected for the Kyoto Biennale of Arts and Crafts, Kyoto Prefectural Exhibition of New Artists in Arts and Crafts2017 Newcomer Encouragement Prize at the 46th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki ExhibitionSelected, 64th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (more…)

Takemura Shigeo 竹村繁男

1953-maleBorn in Kyoto1972 Graduated from Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School of CeramicsStudied under Kimura Morinobu.1980 Became independent and opened Dainichi Kiln in Yamashina.1996 Awarded the Encouragement Prize at the 25th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition.2001 “Departure of the 21st Century”, Kyoto Crafts Artists’ Association Exhibition2007 Awarded the Superintendent of Education Prize at the 36th Kinki Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Crafts.2008 The 36th New Ceramic Works Exhibition by regular members of the Ceramic Division of the Japan Kogei Association, awarded the Japan Kogei Association Prize.2010 Appointed as a member of the Auditing Committee for the 39th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition. (more…)

Takamori Seiji 高森誠司

1962-malearita porcelainBorn in Kitakyushu City1996Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition1999Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionGrand Prize, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionIssuikai Prize, Exhibition of Issuikai Ceramics, Tokyo, JapanAwarded a prize at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition2000Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Izushi Triennale.2001Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Issuikai Exhibition, JapanSelected, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic ExhibitionSelected, Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition2002Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2003 Selected, Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2009Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, The 3rd Kikuchi BiennaleSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2010Selected, (more…)

Shimizu Ichiji 清水一二

1961-maletamba potteryBorn in Tachikui, Tamba, Hyogo Prefecture1984Graduated from Osaka University of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration1984~88 Studied in Tamba, Bizen and Seto, Japan1993Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition19931993 Awarded the Issuikai Prize at the Issuikai Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japan1999The Japan Foundation, Touring Exhibition Abroad2000Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition, TOKI Oribe Silver Prize2003Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2004Opened Hakuyo-gama Kiln2007“The Ceramic Art of Hyogo” at the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo2007Second Prize, Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition, Hagi Ceramic Art of the Present Form, Hagi, Japan2009Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Prize of The Museum of Ceramic Art, Ibaraki2009Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition, Shiga Prefecture, (more…)

Shibata Masamitsu 柴田雅光

1961-maleBorn in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture1983Graduated from Ritsumeikan University, College of Business Administration1985Completed Tajimi City Institute of Ceramic Design1991Exhibited in “Soil Message” IN Mino (1995, 1998)1995Selected for the Nissin Foods Contemporary Ceramic Bowl Grand Prize Exhibition (1996, 1997, 1998)Selected for the International Ceramics Festival Mino (Mino 95) (1998, 2002)1996Participated in IAC Japan Conference, Contemporary Ceramic Art of Tokai (Nagoya International Conference Center).1997Selected, Asahi Modern CraftInvited to exhibit at the International Ceramics Fair (97 Kutani)Selected, Croatia Triennial International Ceramic Art ExhibitionSolo Exhibition at Gallery Nagoya Ceramic Hall, Nagoya, JapanExhibited contemporary ceramics of Mino (Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum)1999Solo Exhibition at Ashikaga Ken (more…)

Kato Hajimu 加藤肇

1946-maleshigaraki potteryBorn in Shigaraki.1970 Graduated from Ritsumeikan University.1976 Continued his annual study tour of Southeast Asia and India, mainly visiting ceramic production sites.1987 Built a kiln in Sandai-ide. Awarded the Art Festival Prize at the Prefectural Exhibition.Won a prize at the All Kansai Art Exhibition.Awarded the Issuikai Prize at the Issuikai Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionAwarded the Commemorative Prize at the Yakishime Ceramic Competition. (more…)

Ito Keiraku 伊東桂楽

1942-raku potteryBorn in Kyoto.Raku ware potter. In 1957, Keiraku entered the Katsura Kiln in Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, and studied pottery under Yorigami Soshaku.Since then Keiraku has been making mainly tea ceremony ceramics at Katsura Kiln for more than 30 years, using traditional Raku ware techniques. (more…)

Obata Yuji 小畑裕司

1961-malearita porcelainBorn in Arita Town1984 Graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University, Faculty of Law1987 Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic College, Department of Manufacturing Currently, he is the second generation owner of Jingama kiln.Although he is descended from Kakiemon, Obata has carved out his own unique path without following a specific master, and he does everything himself, from kiln turning and firing to painting. Obata creates distinctive colors, especially “Obata Pink,” a cherry blossom color created using ” Shoenji”, a high-fired pigment that contains gold and produces a reddish-red color. Cherry blossoms, Obata’s main motif, are painted with an extremely fine (more…)

Sawada Hayato 澤田勇人

1978-malekasama potteryBorn in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture2002Started making ceramics2003Selected for the Ibaraki Prefecture Art Festival Art Exhibition2005Selected, 18th Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2006Selected, Exhibition of New Works of Traditional CraftsTwo-person exhibition at Mito Keisei Department Store, Mito, Japan2007 Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Exhibition of New Works of Traditional Crafts2008Selected, East Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2009Selected, East Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionTwo Artists Exhibition at Kasama Kogei no OkaRecognized as a regular member of the Japan Art Crafts Association2010Selected, East Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionSolo (more…)

Asami Yoshizo 1st-4th 初代-四代 浅見与し三

malekyo pottery Asami Yoshuzo the 1st opened a kiln on Gojozaka in 1912, after splitting off from his father Yonosuke (the second son of Asami Gorosuke II). He studied under Kiyomizu Rokubey V for many years. The fourth generation was born in 1961 and began making pottery under his father (the second generation) and uncle (the third generation), and succeeded to the name of the fourth generation in 1992.In 1995, Master Maeda Masamichi of Zuihouin, the pagoda of Daitokuji Temple, gave him the kiln name of Kippo-gama Kiln. (more…)