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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…)