Ito Sekijin（Ito Sekisui V)
About
The Unique Beauty Born from Red Clay — Living National Treasure of Mumyoi Ware
Ito Sekijin（Ito Sekisui V) was born in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, as the fifth-generation successor of a pottery family with a 400-year history.
He is a Living National Treasure celebrated for carrying on the tradition of Mumyoi Ware and for his numerous distinguished awards.
By harnessing Sado’s distinctive red clay and his own innovative techniques, he has opened new horizons in Japan’s world of traditional crafts.
Balancing both tradition and innovation, his works have earned widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Biography
- 1941
Born in Niigata Prefecture as the eldest son of the fourth-generation Sekisui Itō - 1966
Graduated from Kyoto Institute of Technology, Department of Ceramic Arts - 1972
First selected for the 19th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition - 1977
Succeeded to the name of Fifth-Generation Sekisui Itō - 1985
Received the Grand Prize and Prince Chichibu Cup at the 8th Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition - 1997
Received the Prince Takamatsu Memorial Prize at the 44th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition - 2003
Designated as Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Mumyoi Ware” - 2005
Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon; participated in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ national touring exhibition “The Skill and Beauty of Japan” - 2010
Named Honorary Citizen of Sado City - 2011
Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette - 2018
Exhibited “Large Mumyoi Nerikomi Vessel with Linear Pattern” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which subsequently added the work to its collection
Portfolio
無名異練上花紋壺 | Mumyoi Jar with Marbled Flower Design
佐渡ヶ島香爐 | Incense Burner Sadogashima
無名異練上花紋角壷 | Mumyōi Square Jar with Marbled Flower Design
