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Seifu Yohei 4th 四代 清風与平

1871- 1951malekyo potteryBorn as the 2nd son of the 3rd generation Yohei and studied techniques from his father. Also studied Japanese painting techniques under Tanomura Shosai.Carried on the family business upon the passing of his father and became the 4th generation Seifu Yohei. Favored the tasteful and had a range of work with elegance. Received high praise and did not disgrace the reputation of his noble family, but lost most of the assets that he had amassed to that point due to the New Yen Conversion Policy (demonetization of old currency to prevent inflation) in 1946 after World War II (more…)

Suwa Sozan 2nd 二代 諏訪蘇山

1895-1977femaleThe adopted child of the 1st generation Sozan and a female potter. Stood out for celadon with a gentle atmosphere while carrying on the style of the 1st generation. (more…)

Suwa Sozan 1st 初代 諏訪蘇山

1852-1922maleimperial household artistMoved to Tokyo in 1875 to study ceramic painting under Saiunro Kyokuzan. Established a ceramic factory in Oi, Shinagawa the following year. Then returned home in 1883, served as an assistant at Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial Experimentation Institute, worked at Asukai Kiyoshi’s Kutani Toki Kaisha, and worked in the Faculty of Sculpture at Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial School.Was invited to the Kyoto Kinkozan Ceramic Factory in 1900 and became independent in Gojozaka, Kyoto in 1907. Almost perfectly restored celadon works by Long Quan Yao kiln in China and received praise for his Sozan celadon.Started putting effort into restoring Korai kiln (more…)

Kinkozan Sobei 7th 七代 錦光山宗兵衛

1868-1927malekyo satsuma potteryHe was the son of the sixth Sobei and inherited the family headship in 1884. He worked to expand the market for overseas exports that his father had promoted, added improvements to the Kyo-Satsuma techniques that his father had created, and was also successful in gold and silver glazing.He exhibited his Kyo-Satsuma ware at the World’s Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893 and his art nouveau-style works at the fifth National Industrial Fair in 1903. He was involved in the founding of the Kyoto City Ceramics Research Institute and the Ceramics Training Centre. At the end of the Meiji (more…)

Kiyomizu Rokubey 6th 六代 清水六兵衛

1901-1980malekyo potteryHe was the eldest son of Rokubey V and succeeded as the sixth Rokubey in 1946.He studied at the Tokyo School of Art and Crafts and the Tokyo Technical Painting School. In 1927, he exhibited his works in the newly established crafts department at the 8th Imperial Academy art exhibition and was selected.Afterwards, he received special prizes in 1931 and 1934, and served as a judge. After the war, he exhibited his works at the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. In 1957, he received the Japan Art Academy Prize for his Genyo Kusamura Kahei vase. In 1962, he became a (more…)

Ogata Kenzan 尾形乾山

1663-1743malekyo potteryBorn the third son of Ogata Soken of Kariganeya, a kimono fabrics wholesaler in Kyoto, with Ogata Korin as one of his older brothers.He studied under Nonomura Ninsei, learning to create pottery. When he was around 37 years of age, he opened a kiln in Kiyotaki, right near the Ninsei Kiln, and as it was located in northwest Kyoto (which in Japanese, is referred to as the cardinal direction of “Inui”, a word that can be pronounced as “Ken”), he inscribed the signature of “Kenzan” into his products since then.His style was influenced by Ninsei, his master, and Korin, (more…)

Nonomura Ninsei 野々村仁清

1648-1690malekyo potteryAfter leaving Tamba for the capital and studying at the Awataguchi pottery kiln, he learned techniques for tea caddies in Seto.After returning to the capital, he made ceramics in front of the gate of the Omura Ninnaji Temple.We handle supplies used at the same temple.His style used elegantly colored pottery fired with paintings.He established the modern mainstream Kyo ware style of Ninseiyaki.Additionally, he is considered to be the first potter who included not just the name of the kiln but the seal of the artist on his pottery.As for his pseudonym, “Nonomura” comes from his birthplace, while “Nin” was (more…)

Nakazato Muan (Nakazato Tarouemon 12th) 中里無庵 (十二代中里太郎右衛門)

1895-1985malekaratsu potteryliving national treasureHe was the second son of the 11th generation Tarouemon, but his older brother went down a different path and Shigeo came to inherit the house. He gained a grasp of the basic rules of pottery at Arita Technical School, and then at Karatsu Kiln Industry Corporation and Karatsu Brick Corporation after graduation, where he worked as an engineer. After that, he temporarily became an adopted heir of the Mutsuro family, who were lumber dealers, but following his father’s death in 1924, he succeeded the name as the 12th generation Tarouemon in 1927, and in the following (more…)

Imaizumi Imaemon 11st 十一代 今泉今右衛門

1873-1948malearita porcelainNabeshima porcelainSucceeded the 10th generation Imaemon in 1927 and became the 11th generation.Excelled at painting and succeeded in establishing a range of works that were on par with antiques from the Edo period by pursuing the restoration and modeling of colored Nabeshima ware and Ko-Imari ware in addition to the red painting techniques used through the 10th generation. Created the foundation for the restored techniques of colored Nabeshima ware used by the present Imaemon. Upon the enthronement of King George VI of the United Kingdom in 1937, received the honor of producing the gift for Lord Drummond at the (more…)

Imaizumi Imaemon 14th 十四代 今泉今右衛門

1962-malearita porcelainnabeshima porcelainBorn as the 1st son of the 13th generation Imaemon and majored in metalwork at university due to being interested in craft art and metalwork at the time. After graduating, trained further at the studio of Suzuki Osamu, who thrived at the front line of ceramic objects in Kyoto at the time.Studied traditional techniques under his father starting in 1990 and started making works seriously. Exhibited at the Saga Prefectural Exhibition, Issuikai Exhibition, Seibu Craft Art Exhibition, and other exhibitions. Has repeatedly exhibited at the Japan Traditional Craft Art Exhibition since 1996.Became the 14th generation Imaizumi Imaemon in (more…)

Isezaki Yozan 伊勢崎陽山

1902-1961malebizen potteryBorn in Imbe, Okayama and sought to become a Japanese-style painter but later switched to ceramics after entering the Korakuen kiln. Also learned techniques using spatulas by studying under Tajima Yusen.Started a kiln in 1933 and became independent. Demonstrated excellent technique in creating handleless Japanese tea pots for green tea and other handiwork, as well as sculptural works based on themes including lions and crabs. Also worked on major projects, such as a ceramic sculpture of Takasugi Shinsaku in Hiyoriyama Park in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. Left other positive results by restoring the old kiln at Kona Yamanaka. (more…)

Kaneshige Toyo 金重陶陽

1896–1967malebizen potteryliving national treasureBorn into the Kaneshige family, one of the six kilns of Bizen, as the son of wakigama-style potter Kaneshige Baiyo, Toyo was trained by his father from early childhood and became adept at pottery techniques, with handicrafts and engraved ornaments being his particular specialty. He further devoted himself to the study of kiln construction. In 1921, he built a German-style map kiln, allowing him to successfully fire kiln-effect pottery (yohen-mono). He went on to study pottery clay as well, successfully recreating the sheen of Momoyama-period Bizen pottery in 1930. In 1939, he also succeeded in firing scarlet-stroke (more…)

Imaizumi Imaemon 12th 十二代 今泉今右衛門

1897-1975malearita porcelainnabeshima porcelainBorn as the son of the 11th generation Imaemon and worked in the family business. Became the 12th generation when his father Kumaichi (11th generation Imaemon) passed away in 1948.Was designated as a intangible cultural asset in 1952 under the pretext of preserving the cultural asset of colored Nabeshima ware. After repeated research, was invited to exhibit at the Japan Traditional Craft Art Exhibition when it was newly established in 1954 and exhibited every year since then.Also was selected for a Medal with a Purple Ribbon in 1967 for preserving colored Nabeshima ware techniques, the general holder of (more…)

Inoue Ryosai 井上良斎

1828-1899malesumida potteryWas employed to create Inuyama ware at first, but started working as a commissioned potter after being taken into the Edo residence of the Matusdaira constable from the Takasu Domain and created Raku ware. Also provided guidance to Takemoto Hayata regarding making ceramics around this time.Later became independent in 1866 and started a kiln in Imado, Asakusa. Took on the artist name of Togyokuen Ryosai in the Meiji era and mainly created floral organs with bold glazes and Sumida ware with human and other forms as artistic ceramics for exporting by Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha and Seiko. He was a (more…)

Ito Tozan 伊東陶山

1846-1920malekyo potteryimperial household artistBorn as the 1st son of Ito Zensuke in Sanjo Awataguchi.Studied painting under Koizumi Tozan, the Enzan style painter, around the age of 12. At this time, helped Tozan with painting teacups and creating earthen teapots, which Tozan also carried out in addition to painting to make a living, and decided to switch to ceramics. Later became an apprentice of Kameya Kyokutei, the potter in Gojozaka, and started making ceramics seriously. In addition, engaged deeply in research by visiting the kilns of the 3rd generation Takahashi Dohachi, Murata Kisui, Kanzan Denshichi, Taizan Yohei, Ichimonjiya Chubei (Hattori Gyozan), (more…)

Ono Don’a 大野鈍阿

1885–1951maleWhen he first moved to Tokyo in 1909, he made household goods like stoves and pots, but in 1913, he was scouted by the refined tea ceremony master, Masuda Don’nou, and influenced by the fine articles owned by Don’nou, he proceeded to make pottery for him at Mt. Gotenyama, taking the character “Don” from Don’nou’s name and used the name “Don’a” to brand his work.After that, he moved his kiln to Kami-Meguro in 1917, and Todoroki in 1934.As Don’a uses Don’nou’s fine articles as inspiration, his works are very diverse, using techniques that replicate unglazed ware, Raku, Hagi, Karattsu, and (more…)

Harada Shuroku 原田拾六

1941-malebizen potteryBorn in Inbe. In 1975, he studied under Katsura Matasaburo and visited the old Bizen Kiln Site. Has held solo exhibitions at the Sanyo Newspaper Gallery, Kokura Gallery in Aomori, Mitsukoshi Matsuyama, Hanshin Art Gallery, Shinjuku Odakyu, Takamatsu, Sapporo, Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, Portopia Hotel in Kobe, Iwataya, National Folk Art Exhibition of Austria, etc. Created a monument to Uemura Naomi. (more…)

Hayashi Shotaro 林正太郎

1947 –maleshino potteryBorn in Shimoishi-cho, Gifu Prefecture. Studied under his brother Kotaro in 1967 and became independent in 1974. Winner of the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Exhibition. Awarded the Governor’s Prize at the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, the 73’ Award for Excellence, the Honorable Mention, and others. Awarded the Aichi Prefecture Governor’s Prize at the Tokai Traditional Craft Exhibition. Newcomer’s Prize of the Chunichi Newspaper. Honorable Mention at the Mino Ceramic Art Exhibition, etc. Awarded at the Japan Fine Arts and Crafts Exhibition, the Chunichi International Exhibition, and others. Solo exhibition every other year at Mitsukoshi Department Store (more…)

Nakashima Hiroshi 中島宏

1941-2018maleliving national treasureFrom Takeo City, Saga Prefecture. Trained at his father Shigeto’s Nakajima Pottery. Studied under Nishidai Yu of the Tokyo University of Arts. Set up a half-overground cave kiln in the site of the ancient Yumino Kiln in 1969. Won the Education Minister’s Prize at the Kyushu Yamaguchi Exhibition. Won the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Honorable Mention and had his works procured by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Won the Saga Newspaper Culture Honorable Mention. Won the Japan Ceramics Association Prize. Has held solo exhibitions at Aoyama Green G, Osaka Sentral G, Nihonbashi Takashimaya and elsewhere. Makes powdered celadon (more…)

Nakazato Tarouemon 13th 十三代 中里太郎右衛門

1923-2009malekaratsu potteryEldest son of the 12th Tarouemon. Graduated from the design department of the Tokyo Advanced Technical School. Studied under Kato Hajime. Became the 13th Tarouemon in 1969 when his father (sobriquet Muan) became a monk. First selected for the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition in 1951. Won the Hokuto Prize; was specially selected; is a judge and member; entrusted. Has received the Prime Minister’s Prize and is a director. Won the Japan Ceramics Association Prize and the Japan Arts Academy Prize. Judge in the Japan New Crafts Exhibition. His works have been procured by the Kyoto National Art Museum and (more…)