In Japan’s ceramic world, artists with exceptional skills and artistry are recognized as Living National Treasures. This article introduces five Living National Treasure ceramic artists: Inoue Manji, Tokuda Yasokichi III, Kaneshige Toyo, Fujiwara Kei, and Yamamoto Toshu, detailing their representative works and techniques.
We hope that through these artists’ works, you will feel the depth and beauty of traditional Japanese crafts.
The Appeal of Living National Treasure Ceramic Artists and Their Works
Living National Treasures (holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties) in Japanese traditional crafts are crucial figures who possess outstanding skills in their respective fields and pass on culturally valuable heritage to future generations.
Particularly in ceramics, they spread Japanese aesthetic sensibilities by preserving historical techniques while pursuing new forms of expression.
Here, we will explain the significance of the Living National Treasure system and the role played by master ceramic artists.
The Living National Treasure System and the Importance of Ceramic Artists
The Living National Treasure system was established in 1954 based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties enacted in 1950, as a system to protect and encourage individuals and groups possessing excellent skills and artistry.
Individuals selected in various fields, including ceramics, are tasked with inheriting and developing traditional techniques, and their skills are highly valued both domestically and internationally as symbols of Japanese culture.
For ceramic artists, being designated as a Living National Treasure means their skills are nationally recognized, and it simultaneously imposes a great responsibility to pass on these skills to the next generation.
Living National Treasure ceramic artists, while preserving historical techniques, add their unique styles to their works through new challenges, wielding significant influence even in the contemporary art scene.
Introducing Ceramic Artists Designated as Living National Treasures
In Japan’s ceramic world, many artists have been designated as Living National Treasures for their superior skills and artistry. The works of these Living National Treasure ceramic artists are highly valued both domestically and internationally for preserving tradition while exploring new expressions.
Here, we introduce five particularly renowned Living National Treasure ceramic artists:
- Inoue Manji
- Tokuda Yasokichi III
- Kaneshige Toyo
- Fujiwara Kei
- Yamamoto Toshu
Inoue Manji: Master of White Porcelain
Inoue Manji is a ceramic artist recognized as a Living National Treasure for his white porcelain techniques. Known for pursuing the ultimate beauty of white porcelain, he is particularly acclaimed for his simple, refined designs and perfect technique.
Inoue Manji’s works are characterized by their simple yet refined beauty, particularly captivating many with the translucent whiteness of the porcelain and smooth curves. He was designated as a Living National Treasure in 1995 and continues to be highly regarded both in Japan and abroad.
Inoue Manji’s Representative Work “White Porcelain Faceted Jar”
Inoue Manji’s representative work, the White Porcelain Faceted Jar, pursues the transparency and pure beauty of white porcelain, featuring a simple yet refined design. It notably employs the “faceting” technique, where the surface of the jar is cut to create angles, skillfully expressing the contrast of light and shadow.
Techniques and Characteristics Used by Inoue Manji
Among the techniques used by Inoue Manji, white porcelain is particularly noteworthy. To maximally bring out the transparency and pure beauty of white porcelain, he employs advanced pottery wheel techniques, which is a significant characteristic of Inoue Manji’s works.
Moreover, Inoue Manji’s works are characterized by their simple beauty and designs that eliminate excess, using the above techniques. Many of his works symbolize Japanese aesthetics. These pieces hold value not just as decorative items but as artworks that deeply move those who appreciate them.
Tokuda Yasokichi III: Innovator of Kutani Ware
Tokuda Yasokichi III is a representative ceramic artist of Kutani ware from Ishikawa Prefecture and was designated as a Living National Treasure for his aote technique. His works are characterized by vivid blue colors and complex designs. While preserving the tradition of Kutani ware, he pioneered new color expressions and was designated as a Living National Treasure in 1997.
Tokuda Yasokichi III’s Representative Work “Yousai Jar”
One of Tokuda Yasokichi III’s representative works is the “Yousai Jar”. Using his unique technique called yousai, he expresses vivid colors and deep transparency, creating works with beautiful colors reminiscent of jewels.
Therefore, the Yousai Jar is highly valued both domestically and internationally as a highly accomplished work that fuses traditional Kutani ware techniques with a modern sensibility.
Techniques and Characteristics Used by Tokuda Yasokichi III
The technique that Tokuda Yasokichi III particularly excelled in is yousai. This technique gives works deep colors and unique luster by layering multiple metal glazes during the firing process.
Tokuda Yasokichi III used yousai to modernize the traditional aote of Kutani ware, enabling richer color expressions. The color gradations and complex layering of colors seen in Tokuda Yasokichi III’s works possess a unique charm not seen in other ceramic artists.
Furthermore, the designs of Tokuda Yasokichi III’s works are characterized by incorporating more abstract and modern elements while based on traditional Kutani ware patterns. This has led to a re-evaluation of Kutani ware as fresh and innovative in the contemporary art scene.
Kaneshige Toyo: Master of Bizen Ware
Kaneshige Toyo is a leading figure in Bizen ware and was designated as the first Living National Treasure in 1956. He inherited the traditional techniques of Bizen ware that have continued since the Edo period, creating works that maximize the earthiness and fired texture of the clay.
His works are particularly highly valued for their unique texture created by natural glazes, and his achievements in reviving Bizen ware in modern times are significant, earning high acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Kaneshige Toyo’s Main Representative Work “Large Bizen Bowl”
One of Kaneshige Toyo’s main representative works is the Large Bizen Bowl. As the name suggests, this work is an exceptionally large bowl and stands out among Kaneshige Toyo’s works for its presence.
Kaneshige Toyo’s Bizen ware works, being representative pieces of traditional Japanese crafts, are stored in places like the National Crafts Museum under the management of the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Techniques and Characteristics Used by Kaneshige Toyo
Kaneshige Toyo mainly uses the following techniques to create his works:
- Hidasuki technique
- Yohen technique
- Natural glaze technique
Kaneshige Toyo’s techniques are rooted in the tradition of Bizen ware, with the hidasuki technique being particularly famous. This technique involves wrapping straw around the work during firing, creating characteristic red patterns where the straw burns.
The yohen technique creates unique patterns and colors on the work through changes in the kiln environment (temperature, oxygen supply, etc.) during firing. By using this technique, he incorporates the unique beauty created by natural forces into his works, producing individualistic and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Furthermore, the natural glaze technique, which gives works deep colors and textures without using applied glazes, expanded the possibilities of Bizen ware and had a significant impact on the ceramic world.
Fujiwara Kei: Inheritor of Bizen Ware Tradition
Fujiwara Kei is a ceramic artist who pursued unique expressions while preserving the tradition of Bizen ware. Originally aspiring to literature, he entered the world of Bizen ware after turning 40.
Fujiwara Kei’s works are characterized by their simple yet powerful sculptural beauty and yohen (patterns and color changes utilizing accidental changes during firing). He was designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1970, and his Bizen ware is highly valued both domestically and internationally.
Fujiwara Kei’s Main Representative Works
Fujiwara Kei’s main representative works are as follows:
| Bizen Surikoza Hentsubo | This work utilizes the traditional Bizen ware techniques that Fujiwara Kei excelled in, characterized by its powerful shape and the simple texture of the clay. |
| Yohen Tabimakura Flower Vase | This flower vase, with its natural coloration from yohen, is a work that fuses Fujiwara Kei’s technique and aesthetic sense. Works utilizing Fujiwara Kei’s yohen technique are known for their unpredictable beauty. |
| Bizen Hidasuki Large Sake Bottle | The large sake bottle using the hidasuki technique is one of Fujiwara Kei’s representative works. Wrapping straw during firing creates reddish-brown patterns, reflecting Fujiwara Kei’s unique aesthetic sense while inheriting the tradition of Bizen ware. |
Fujiwara Kei’s representative works utilize the unique texture of Bizen clay and patterns that occur accidentally during firing, resulting in simple yet deeply flavorful pieces.
Techniques and Characteristics Used by Fujiwara Kei
Fujiwara Kei uses the following techniques to create his works:
- Hidasuki technique
- Yohen technique
- Natural glaze technique
Like Kaneshige Toyo, Fujiwara Kei uses traditional Bizen ware techniques to create his works, expressing unique beauty by utilizing the hidasuki technique to create red patterns on the works and the yohen technique to incorporate naturally occurring colors and patterns during firing.
Yamamoto Toshu: Innovation and Tradition in Bizen Ware
Yamamoto Toshu is a renowned Bizen ware ceramic artist born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, and was designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1987. Known as a “master of the potter’s wheel,” Yamamoto Toshu has created many excellent works including tea caddies, flower vases, and tea bowls.
Yamamoto Toshu’s Main Representative Works
Yamamoto Toshu’s main representative works are as follows:
| Bizen Katatsuki Tea Caddy | This is one of the tea caddies that Yamamoto Toshu excelled in, characterized by its katatsuki (shoulder-hitting) shape. The natural coloration from glazes and firing on the surface of the tea caddy gives depth to the work. |
| Bizen Tea Bowl | Tea bowls are one of Yamamoto Toshu’s representative work genres, featuring elegant and dignified shapes. Hidasuki and yohen techniques are applied, giving viewers a sense of traditional beauty and quiet strength. |
| Bizen Hidasuki Wide-Mouthed Flower Vase | This wide-mouthed flower vase uses the hidasuki technique, characterized by unique reddish-brown patterns created by wrapping straw during firing. The wide-mouthed shape exudes a simple yet powerful presence. |
Through these representative works, Yamamoto Toshu expressed his unique aesthetic sense while inheriting the traditional techniques of Bizen ware for the modern era. The Bizen Katatsuki Tea Caddy, in particular, is a masterpiece that combines the practicality and beauty of tea utensils, showcasing exquisite technique.
Techniques and Characteristics Used by Yamamoto Toshu
The main techniques used by Yamamoto Toshu are as follows:
- Hidasuki technique
- Potter’s wheel technique
- Natural glaze technique
As Yamamoto Toshu’s representative works are Bizen ware, he uses the hidasuki technique, which creates red patterns on the works by wrapping straw during firing. Additionally, Yamamoto Toshu is known as a “master of the potter’s wheel,” and his exceptional wheel technique allows him to create very precise and well-balanced shapes.
Conclusion
This article introduced five Living National Treasure ceramic artists representing Japan. You should now understand how each artist’s unique techniques and works have brought innovation to and led Japanese traditional crafts.
