Monthly Archives: May 2014

Muan Nakazato: Sake cup, Madara karatsu - Kawakujira type

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Muan Nakazato   中里 無庵

1895 Born in karatsu, Saga. The second son of Taroemon Nakazato ⅩⅠ.
1914 Began ceramics under his father. Started researching old Karatsu from Momoyama period.
1927 Succession to the name. Became Taroemon Nakazato ⅩⅡ.
1966 Received a Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.
1969 Received the Order of the sacred treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
1969 Handed the reigns of the family over to the first son. Named himself as Muan.
1976 Designated a Living National Treasure.
1985 Passed away at the age of 89.

Miwa Kyuwa: Sake cup, Hagi type

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Kyuwa Miwa　 三輪 休和

1896 Born in Hagi, Yamaguchi prefecture. The second son of Setsudo Miwa Ⅸ.

1910 Began ceramics as family business.

1927 Succeeded to the name of Kyusetsu Ⅹ.
1942 Associated with Handeishi Kawakita.

1967 Handed the reigns of the family over to the younger brother, Setsuo.
         
Named himself as Kyuwa.

1970 Designated as a Living National Treasure.

1977 Passed away at the age of 86.

Fujio Koyama: Sake cup, Hagi type

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Fujio Koyama 小山 冨士夫

1900 Born in Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture.
1920 Entered Hitotsubashi University.
1925 Moved to Seto. Started learning ceramics.
1927 Aspired to be a ceramic artist.
1932 Became an editorial staff for a journal of antique porcelain.
1933 Became an investigator of important art pieces, commissioned by the ministry of education. 
1946 Japanese ceramic society was established. Became a director.
1952 Worked for a section of intangible culture in a committee of cultural protection.
1961 Resigned from his position.
1966 Built his kiln in Kamakura, restarted producing ceramics.
1967 Became a director of Japan Art Crafts association.
1973 Moved to Toki, Gifu prefecture. Built ‘Hananoki Kiln’.
1975 Passed away at the age of 75.

Munemaro Ishiguro: Sake cup, Tetsu-e type

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Munemaro Ishiguro  石黒宗麿
1893 Born in Shinminato, Toyama prefecture.
1918 Impressed by the National treasure, Yohen Tenmoku tea bowl. 
         Aspired to be a ceramist.
1919 Began ceramics in Tokyo. Moved around Japan several times.
1927 Moved to Higashiyama Jagadani, Kyoto prefecture.
         Met Fujio Koyama, who would become a sworn friend afterwards.
1935 Built a studio in Yase Rakuhoku, Kyoto.
1937 Won a Silver prize at the Paris Universal Exposition.
1941 The first exhibition at Ginza Kuroda Touen.
1955 Designated as a Living National Treasure.
         Organized ‘Nihon Kogei Kai’ (the Japan Art Crafts Association) with 
         Toyozo Arakawa and Tokuro Kato.
1963 Received Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon.
1968 Passed away at the age of 75.

Rosanjin Kitaoji: Sake cup, Bizen type

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Rosanjin Kitaoji　北大路 魯山人

1883 Born in Shimogamo Kitaoji, Kyoto.

1907 Began his career as a calligrapher in Tokyo.

1916 Wandered around Korea, China, Shiga, Fukui, and Kanazawa. Returned to Kyoto.

1919 Opened his antique shop in Tokyo.

1921 Began 'Bishoku club' (Gourmet's club) which serves his food with his collections.

1925 Began 'Hoshigaoka Saryo'. (Members-only restaurant)

1928 Built 'Hoshigaoka kiln' in Kamakura for producing dishes used in the restaurant.
His 　　  reputation rose as his works exhibited in department stores and the restaurant.

1935 Started focusing on producing ceramics.

1936 Left the management of the restaurant. 

1937 The first exhibition of his new works held at Ginza Kuroda Touen.

1939 The Hoshigaoka kiln was blisk holding about 50 staff around this year. 

1942 Evacuation in Ishikawa prefecture. Produced lacquer ware there.

1954 Held a solo exhibition in New York, invited by Rockefeller Foundation.

         Visited U.S. and Europe. 

1955 Declined certification of a living national treasure.

1956 Actively held exhibitions in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nagoya.

1959 Passed away at the age of 77.

Toyozo Arakawa: Sake cup, Sometsuke type

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Toyozo Arakawa 荒川豊蔵

1894 Born in Tajimi, Gifu prefecture.
1922 Moved to Kyoto. Met Rosanjin Kitaoji.
1927 Moved to Kamakura. Worked at Rosanjin’s Hoshigaoka Kiln.
1933 Quit Hoshigaoka Kiln. Moved to Mutabora in Mino Ogaya, Gifu prefecture, and built his studio.
1941 The first solo exhibition held at Umeda Hankyu department store. (Curated by Ginza Kuroda Touen)
1946 Built Suigetsu kiln in Tajimi.
1955 Designated the Living national treasure.
1971 Received the Order of Cultural Merit.
1977 Published a collection of essays.
1985 Passed away at the age of 91.