Japanese potters

Tsukamoto Kaiji 塚本快示

1912-1990maleliving national treasureHe was born the son of the seventh generation Tsukamoto Gennemon, a line of pottery manufacturers in Toki who had inherited the making of Chinese Dingyao style white porcelain from generation to generation for over 200 years. He held a strong interest in manufacturing pottery from a very young age, and assisted his father in making pottery after graduating from higher elementary school.After the war, he developed his craft activities through Hineno Sakuzo. Additionally, at around 1948, he gained the favor of Koyama Fujio, known for his research on Chinese ceramics, and pursued further research on Chinese Song (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…)

Takahashi Dohachi 8th 八代 高橋道八

1938-2011malekyo potteryBorn in Kyoto. Graduated from Hiyoshi-oka High School. Completed the Kyoto Pottery Training School in 1959 and the Kyoto Industrial Research Institute in 1960. Studied under Dohachi VII and mastered a wide range of techniques including Kyoyaki color painting. In 1983, he assumed the name of the eighth generation. (more…)

Takahashi Dohachi 2nd 二代 高橋道八

1783-1855malekyo potteryHe was commonly known as Nin’ami Dohachi. He was born as the second child of Takahashi Dohachi the first. Since his old brother died young, he took over the patrimony when he was 29 and opened a kiln in Gojozaka. He studied pottery under Okuda Eisen, Hozan Bunzou and so on. He was known as one of the experts of Kyo-yaki. He received the pseudonym of Nin from Ninnaji and Ami from Daigoji therefore, he called himself Ninami. He spread the technique of Kyo-yaki over the whole country. (more…)

Takahashi Dohachi 1st 初代 高橋道八

1742-1804malekyo potteryBorn the second son of an Ise retainer, he visited Kyoto around the age of 25, and was inspired by seeing Awataguchi pottery.He took up residence and began making making pottery there. At first he studied Nanga techniques and fired decorated ceramics. He specialized in ornaments of people and wildlife, but was also skilled at incense holders and tea bowls called shuki. He also left behind collaborations with master artists such as Ike no Taiga, Ueda Akinari and others. (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…)

Suda Shoho 須田祥豊

1885-1974Born in the Meiji period, he started making pottery in Kyoto. In Year 14 of the Taisho period, he was given the name of Shoho by the Urasenke Tantansai family. He was also given the title of Josetsuan by the chief abbot of Daitokuji Temple. He is known for his expertise with national pottery and Korean replica pottery, and his clear-cut style has been much acclaimed. He has created many masterpieces, and is known as one of the master craftsmen of the modern era. His clear-cut style has been much acclaimed, and because he had a thorough knowledge of tea (more…)

Shimizu Uichi 清水卯一

1926-2004malekyo 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…)

Seifu Yohei 1st 初代 清風与平

1813-1861malekyo potterymushiake potteryAlhough born the son of a Kanazawa feudal retainer, Seifu Yohei aspired to be a potter. In 1815, he began his training under Takahashi Dohachi II (Nin’ami Dohachi) of Kyoto, and started out by constructing a kiln in Fushimi Momoyama for the production of Raku ware.Later, around 1828, Seifu Yohei moved his kiln to Gojo-zaka where he produced mainly gold-painted porcelain, illustrated porcelain, celadon, white porcelain, and blue-and-white ceramics. His greatest surviving works consist mostly of green tea wares.Then, in 1847, he became a ceramics instructor, following an invitation to the private kiln (producing Mushiake ware) of Igi (more…)

Sasaki Shoraku 佐々木昭楽

Meiji period-maleraku potteryIn 1905, Kichinosuke Sasaki, a Nishikite painter, opened a kiln in Kiyomizu-zaka, Kyoto. Under the guidance of Goto Zuigan and Master Oda Sesshou of Daitokuji Temple, he served as the official kiln of Daitokuji Temple and worked on the revival of “Murasakino-yaki (the official kiln of Murasakino Daitokuji Temple, which started in 1804 under the guidance of the chief priest Shogetsu-an Chuho, but it was discontinued in 1818)”. His contribution to the restoration of Daitokuji Temple after the war was recognized by Master Oda Sesshou, and he received the title of “Narumo-ken”.In 1944, the kiln was moved to (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…)

Ri Masako (Yi Bangja) 李方子

1901-1989femaleShe was consort of the crown prince of the former Empire of Korea and, during the Japanese era, was the first daughter of Prince Nashimoto Morimasa. Her Japanese name is Ri masako and Korean name is Yi Bangja.In her later years, she was naturalized in Korea and established education for disabled children and a cloisonné research institute, while devoting effort to ceramic art on the side.Due to those successes, the Korean government conferred upon her the “Order of the Peony” and, posthumously, the “Korean People’s Order of the Rose of Sharon Prize, First Class.” (more…)

Chuho Sou 宙宝宗宇

1760-1838malemurasakino potteryFrom Kyoto. He was the 418th chief priest of Daitokuji Temple, and the 13th chief priest of Daitokuji Temple Hoshunin. It is said that in the history of Daitokuji Temple priests, he was particularly adept at calligraphy and he left behind many writings. However, he also had a deep knowledge of tea ceremony, and in addition to creating his own pottery, he marked the name “Murasakino” on the Murasakino ware in front of the Daitokuji Temple gate, which was created by potter Kakutei. (more…)

Chin Jukan 15th 十五代 沈壽官

1959-malesatsuma potteryUpon graduating from college, he began making pottery at Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute and Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics College of Technology, studying abroad in Italy in 1986 and undergoing an apprenticeship in Korea in 1990. After returning to Japan, he continued to assist at Jukan XIV’s studio, also creating his own original works utilizing traditional techniques. He inherited the name Chin Jukan XV in 1999. (more…)

Chin Jukan 13th 十三代 沈壽官

1889-1964malesatsuma potteryHe maintained the traditional engraving and coloring techniques of the Chin family, and also had a great reputation regarding the potter’s wheel technique.Rather than presenting his work at exhibitions, he mainly exhibited at his home gallery and solo exhibitions (Chin Jukan XIII Solo Exhibition, successive exhibitions). (more…)

Chin Jukan 12th 十二代 沈壽官

1835-1906malesatsuma potteryHe exhibited a pair of large vases at the Austrian Expo in 1873, making an impact overseas and receiving great praise.Since then, he began overseas trading mainly with the United States and Russia, making a name for Satsuma ware, alongside Kutani ware, until it became synonymous with Japanese pottery.However, while the Clan Pottery Abolition Law of 1875 created extreme difficulties, he made an effort to keep Satsuma ware alive by using his own assets and taking over the factory. He made great efforts for the survival of Satsuma ware, and is known not only as a member of the (more…)

Chin Jukan 沈壽官

before 1598-satsuma pottery The history of the Japanese pottery making Chin family dates back to 1597. At that time, Shimazu Yoshihiro, lord of the Shimazu Clan, traveled to Korea, and Chin Tokichi I was one of the potters he brought back to Japan. He moved to the Naeshiro River in 1603 and opened a kiln. He began making pottery, and it is said that he discovered the area’s white clay that laid the foundations of today’s Satsuma ware.In addition, the Satsuma Domain particularly favored potters, naming the highly artistic works after the domain: Satsuma ware. In the beginning, many works (more…)