Kakiemon Sakaida XIV
1934 Born in Arita, Saga prefecture.
1958 Graduated from the department of Japanese painting at Tama University of Arts.
Apprenticed under Kakiemon Sakaida XII.
1971 Certified as a regular member of Nihon Kogeikai. (Japan Art Crafts Association)
1982 Succession to the name, Kakiemon Sakaida.
1984 Awarded the prize of Japanese Ceramics Society.
2001 Designated as a Living National Treasure.
2005 Awarded a The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
2013 Passed away at the age of 78.

Toyo Kaneshige, Sake cup, Bizen type

Wednesday November 26th, 2014

Toyo Kaneshige

1896 Born in Bizen, Okayama prefecture.
1910 Began ceramics as a family business.
1930 Researched early Bizen. Began reproduction of ceramics from Momoyama period.
1936 Met Handeishi Kawakita.
1939 Completed Hidasuki seen in Early Bizen style.
1949 Became a friend with Rosanjin Kitaoji.
1954 Joined in Tori kai.
1955 Organized Nihon Kogei kai (Japan Art Crafts Association) with Toyozo Arakawa and Tokuro Kato.
1956 Designated as a Living National Treasure.
1960 Received Cultural award from Okayama prefecture.
1966 Received Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon. 
1967 Passed away at the age of 71.

Kanjiro Kawai: Flat vase, Flower design

Tuesday November 25th, 2014

Kanjiro Kawai　河井寛次郎

1890 Born in Aki city, Shimane prefecture.
1914 Completed ceramic industrial course at current Tokyo Institute if technology. 
Worked at Kyoto research institute for ceramics. 
1920 Began ceramics at Gojozaka in Kyoto. Named his studio as 'Shokeiyo' (Shokei kiln)
Produced pieces which got ideas from Chinese wares. 
1922 Gained a great reputation after a solo exhibition in Tokyo.  
1924 Influenced by slipwares.  
1926 Involved with Mingei movement with Soetsu Yanagi and Shoji Hamada. 
Produced pieces of simple form with unique design.  
1937 Won a Grand prix at the Paris Universal Exposition.  
1949 More crative pieces were produced afterwards.  
1966 Passed away at the age of 76.