Japanese potters

龍工組 (常滑貿易株式会社) Ryoko-gumi (Tokoname Trading Co.)

With the Meiji Restoration, Japan became a modern nation and needed to accumulate foreign currency in order to procure goods from Europe and the United States. This led to the development of export industries, and raw silk and ceramics were exported to Europe and the United States during the Meiji period. This trend continued in Tokoname, and in 1894, an organization called Tokoname Trading Co. Its predecessor was the Ryuko-gumi (from 1887 to 1896), an organization formed by Tokoname potters. The Ryuko-gumi Tokoname Trading Co., Ltd. actively produced and exported to the North American continent what was called “Shudei Ryu-maki, (more…)

Satomi Toshitaka 里見寿隆

1971-malemikawachi porcelainBorn in Mikawachi-cho, Sasebo, NagasakiMarch 1989Graduated from Sasebo Minami High School, NagasakiMarch 1993Graduated from Kyoto University of EducationMarch 1994Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural College of Advanced Ceramic TechnologyApril 1994Worked for Takano Shoami, Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery (until March 1998)1998Engaged in Hirado-Kakusho Kiln to present199926th Mikawachi Ceramic Works Exhibition, Yomiuri Newspaper Award, NCC Award20022002 Grand Prize, Nagasaki Ceramic Exhibition, Japan20042006 Nagasakisaki Ceramic Exhibition, Honorable Mention (more…)

Sato Katsunori 佐藤典克

1974-maleBorn in Gifu Prefecture1999 Graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Department of Crafts, majoring in ceramics2001 M.F.A. in Ceramics, Tokyo University of the Arts2003 Built a kiln in Sagamihara City2006 Appointed as assistant professor at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Ceramics Laboratory (~Mar. 2008)2008 Moved the studio to Higashi-Hashimoto, Sagamihara <Awards>Faenza International Ceramics Exhibition 2015Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition 2015 (Traditional Division) 17 (Selected at the same time in 3 categories: Traditional / Free Form / Japanese and Western Tableware)　4th Kanazawa World Crafts Triennial Transcending Boundaries 2019 Kanazawa World Crafts CompetitionInternational Craft Award Toyama (more…)

Yamazaki Yutaka 山崎豊

1962-maleAs known as Yamazaki Koyo III. Born in Gojozaka, Kyoto, the eldest son of potter Yamazaki Akira (Koyo II). Graduated from Osaka University of Arts, majoring in sculpture. Studied under Kawai Seitoku, a member of the Japan Art Academy1989 First prize at Japan New Crafts Exhibition, First prize at Nitten, First prize at Kyoto Exhibition1992 Nominated as a member of Kyoto Crafts Artists Association1994 Nominated as a member of Japan New Crafts Exhibition1995 Selected Exhibition of Contemporary Crafts of Kyoto, The Museum of Kyoto. Solo exhibition at Art Salon, Daimaru Kyoto Store, Kyoto, Japan (2001, 2003, 2005)1999 Nominated as an (more…)

Kikuchi Hiroshi 菊地弘

1975-maleBegan training as a ceramic artist at the Kasama Pottery1982Opened Sanno Kiln in Hitachi-Omiya City2006Invited to exhibit Japanese ceramics at the Musee National de la Ceramique de Sevres, France2007Purchased by Musee National de la Ceramique de Sevres, France2012Created a vase for the flower offering at the 550th anniversary of Ikenobo Ikebana, and the work was collected by the Ibaraki Prefectural Government. (more…)

Kanzaki Shusaku 神崎秀策

1983-maleshigaraki potteryBorn in Shigaraki Town, Shiga Prefecture2004Completed Kyoto Prefectural College of Ceramic Technology2005Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition2007Koka City Art Exhibition, Grand Prize, Mayor of Koka City AwardSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition2009Koka City Art Exhibition, Board of Education Director’s PrizeSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition2012Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki ExhibitionSelected for the first time at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2003Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki ExhibitionSolo exhibition at Seibu OtsuSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionJune, 2006Selected for the Ceramic Art Exhibition2008Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition2009Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition2008Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition2020Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (more…)

Kawasoe Takahiko 川副隆彦

1981-maleBorn in Imari City, Saga Prefecture2000Graduated from Imari Keitoku High School in Saga PrefectureEntered Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic College2002Joined Kosem-gama Kiln2006Certified as a 2nd Class Technician by the National Trade Skills Test2008Certified as a first-class technician by the National Trade Skill Test2009Certified as a traditional craftsman for underglaze painting2007Certified as a traditional craftsman for overglaze painting (more…)

Kawasaki Seiichi 川崎精一

1975-malearita porcelainBorn in Arita, Saga Prefecture1996 Graduated from Arita Ceramic College1999 Built Seika Kiln2000 Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and 11 times since2001 Selected for the Western Crafts Exhibition of the Japan Kogei Association; selected 13 times since then2002 3rd Prize, Industrial Ceramics, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition2004 Exhibited at the Arita Ceramic Association German Exhibition2005 Issuikai Exhibition, Issuikai Prize2009 Exhibited at the Kyushu National Museum, “Crafts Today: Tradition and Creation2012 Incentive Prize, Japan Kogei Association Western Crafts Exhibition2013 Western Crafts Exhibition, Japan Kogei Association, Western Branch Director’s PrizeSaga Prefecture Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition, Art (more…)

Kako Katsumi 加古勝己

1965-maleBorn in Kyoto City, Japan1986Graduated from Saga Art College, Department of Ceramics1988Selected, NittenSelected, Asahi Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Kyoto Exhibition1989Selected, Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Mino International Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Kyoto Crafts Art Exhibition1990Selected, Nitten1991Began making pottery in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture1993Selected for the Ceramics Biennial Exhibition1994Excellent Prize, Kyoto Craft Biennial ExhibitionDemonstrated ceramics in Melbourne, Australia1995Kinki Exhibition Prize, Contemporary Crafts Exhibition1997Encouragement Prize, Asahi Ceramic Art ExhibitionSaga Daikakuji Temple, Kyoto, “Flower Pottery Exhibition” Daikakuji PrizeSolo exhibition at Tobu Ikebukuro, Tokyo1999Solo exhibition at Takashimaya Department Store, Kyoto2000Kako’s Tracks, Tohei’s Tracks” at Kyoto Art Space KANSolo exhibition at Tobu, Ikebukuro, Tokyo2001Built an inverted-flame single kiln (more…)

Ono Tatsuro 小野達郎

1949-malearita porcelain He is a relative of Ms. Ono Hakuko, an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture.He was attracted by the charm of gold brocade, and created porcelain named “Hakuyui” using various colored foils. Born in Ureshino-cho, Saga Prefecture1973Joined Kozam-gama Kiln2003Selected, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics ExhibitionPrize, Saga Art Association ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition2004Selected, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics ExhibitionAwarded a prize at the Saga Art Association ExhibitionGovernor’s Prize, Saga Prefecture Art ExhibitionSelected, National Traditional Crafts Competition2005First Prize, Saga Prefecture Art Association ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Art Exhibition2006Selected, Western Crafts ExhibitionSelected, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefecture Art Association ExhibitionBoard of Education Prize, Saga Prefecture Art (more…)

Ono Takaharu 小野隆治

1953-malearita porcelainBorn in Ureshino-cho, Saga Prefecture1980Joined Kozan-gama Kiln1984Awarded the Governor’s Prize and six other prizes at the 4th West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition.First prize winner of the 34th Saga Prefectural Exhibition, and three times awarded the Governor’s Prize and other prizes, and the Nagatake Takeshi Prize.Awarded the Minister’s Prize three times and other prizes twelve times after being selected for the 81st Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition.First prize winner of the 19th Western Exhibition of the Japan Kogei Association, and since then, has won the Silver Prize and other awards four times.1987Selected for the 34th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, 16th Encouragement Prize1993Certified (more…)

Onimaru Takayuki 鬼丸尚幸

1977-malekoishiwara potteryBorn in Koishiwara Village, Asakura County, Fukuoka Prefecture (present-day Higashimine Village)1999Entered Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts2003Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Ataka Prize2005M.F.A. in Ceramics, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, The Salon de Printemps Prize, for the completion of the master course “Blue and White Porcelain Vase with Kumazasa Carving Design”.Selected, Japan Traditional Crafts New Works ExhibitionEntered the doctoral program of the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts2008Doctoral dissertation, “Research on the Production of Blue and White Porcelain with Carved Designs,” awarded Doctor of (more…)

Onimaru Omei 鬼丸翁明

1940-malekoishiwara potteryBorn in Koishiwara Village (present-day Higashimine Village), Asakura County, Fukuoka Prefecture1983Opened the Omei Kiln1985Chairman’s Prize, Japan Broadcasting Corporation of America, Japan Folk Crafts Competition1986Award of Excellence, Japan Folk Art Competition1987Fukuoka Prefecture Governor’s Prize, West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition1988Award of Excellence, Japan Folk Art Competition1989Award of Excellence, Japan Folk Art CompetitionKoishiwara Pottery Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Fukuoka Prefecture Traditional Crafts Council Chairman’s Award1990Director’s Prize, Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Japan Folk Crafts ExhibitionKoishiwara Pottery Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Fukuoka Prefecture Traditional Crafts Council Chairman’s Award1991National Crafts Exhibition, Director-General’s Prize of the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Consumer AffairsMinister of International Trade and (more…)

Ota Tomitaka 太田富隆

1969-malekoishiwara potteryBorn in Higashimine Village (formerly Koishiwara), Fukuoka Prefecture1988Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Technical High School, Ceramics Department1990Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic CollegeWorked at Maruwa KilnSilver Prize at the ’90 International Ceramic Art Exhibition1991Moved to the U.S. in April and apprenticed with Rick and Mark for six months.1994Okinawa Prefecture Governor’s Prize, West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition1995July: Traveled to the U.K. to follow in the footsteps of the late Bernard Leach1996Minister of Education Prize, West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition1997Nagasaki Ceramics Exhibition, First Prize, Nagasaki Prefectural Governor’s PrizeFukuoka Prefecture Governor’s Prize, West Japan Ceramic Art ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Crafts ExhibitionMinister of (more…)

Kato Sakusuke 3rd 三代 加藤作助

1879-1915maleseto potteryReal name Kato Seiichi, born in 1879, inherited his father’s reign in 1915 when his father Sakusuke II retired. In his later years, he went by the name “Shunzan”. He promoted the production of Oribe Western tableware created by the second generation from the Meiji era (1868-1912), and export to the United States became more prosperous. He introduced a wide range of ancient Japanese pottery techniques to Western tableware and introduced them to Europe and the United States. In his later years, he went by the name “Shunzan”. (more…)

Kato Sakusuke 2th 二代 加藤作助

1844-1923maleseto potteryBorn in August of Tempo 15. Son of Kato Sakusuke I. Born in Owari (Aichi Prefecture). His first name was Keizaburo. He seems to have collected old pottery and devoted himself to researching its shape and techniques. At first he fired porcelain, but later he turned to his main occupation and skillfully copied old pottery such as Furu-seto (old seto ware), Kizeto, Oribe, Shino, Ofukai, and Mishima. He became a master craftsman of the Meiji era with a technique as good as that of his father Kagekiyo. His first pottery was called “Kotoen-Shun’itsu” and he called himself “Shun’itsu”, but (more…)

Ogushi Hidenori 大串秀則

1959-malearita porcelain1979Learned to paint at the Saga Prefectural Ceramic Experiment Station1980Joined Daishugama kiln1981Studied under Nakamura Seiroku1985Selected for the Kyushu Shinko ExhibitionSelected, Seibu Kogei Exhibition1995Certified as a traditional craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry1998Selected, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramics ExhibitionSelected, Saga Prefectural Exhibition1999Nihon Keizai Newspaper Award, Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic ExhibitionSelected, Japan Traditional Craftsmen’s Association Works Exhibition (more…)

Iwanaga Shiko 岩永紫香

femalearita porcelain1980Studied ceramics at the Arita Town Ceramic Art School Course and the fundamentals of Japanese painting at the Japanese Painting Course.1984Studied underglaze painting (Arita-yaki dyeing) at the Saga Prefectural Ceramic Research Institute1985Entered Saga Prefectural Ceramic College as the first student and studied overglaze enamels (red painting)1986Studied landscape painting under the guidance of “Contemporary Master Craftsman” Kanatake JinenReceives the pseudonym “Shika” from Mr. Kanatake JinenSeibokukai exhibition held at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum as a member of the SeibokaiSeibokukai exhibitions held at various regional hall galleries1996Arita Monogatari Series” was produced and released as original works, and was introduced on NHK TV (more…)

Itoi Yasuhiro 糸井康博

1973-maleBorn in Kyoto1995Graduated from Osaka University of Arts, Department of ArchitectureBegins career as a ceramic artist under the tutelage of Kamata Koji1997Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural College of Advanced Ceramic TechnologyStudied under Inokai Yuichi2001Opened his own studio in Kawai-cho, Kitakasugi-gun, Nara Prefecture2004Solo exhibition at Osaka Mitsukoshi2005Solo exhibition at Takashimaya, KyotoTea ceremony ceramics exhibition at Joshoji Temple (Takamine, Kyoto)2006Moved to Oji-cho, Kitakasugi-gun, Nara Prefecture and began making ceramics2007Solo exhibition at Takashimaya, KyotoSolo exhibition at Ikebukuro TobuSolo exhibition at Yagibashi Saitama2008Solo exhibition at Keisei Department StoreSolo exhibition at Kyoto Takashimaya Department Store2009Solo exhibition at Keihan Department StoreYear 2010Solo exhibition at Fujisaki Department StoreThree-person (more…)

Yokoyama Yuichi 横山雄一

1970-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko Town as the eldest son of potter Yokoyama Yoshio.1990 Graduated from Aichi Prefectural College of Ceramic Technology, Department of Design1991 Studied ceramics under the guidance of his fatherFirst solo exhibition at the Mashiko Pottery CenterWhite glazed grapevine cinnabar handled pottery1992 Produced the Nunome Cherry Blossom series of ceramicsSelected for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998)1994 Produced aka-e and shino ceramics1999 Instructed pottery classes2000 Produced the Gray Mikage series of ceramicsOribe wareProduced the Red Mikage series of ceramicsSolo exhibition at Toraku (more…)