Living National Treasures in Ceramics

Since 1955, Japan has recognised master craftspeople as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, known popularly as Living National Treasures, ningen kokuhō. In ceramics the title is given for a specific technique, and works by these potters are among the most collected modern Japanese ceramics.

The first designations

The potters recognised in 1955 set the tone for the system.

  • Hamada Shōji. A leading figure of the folk craft movement, who worked at Mashiko.
  • Tomimoto Kenkichi. Known for overglaze enamels and gold and silver decoration on porcelain.
  • Arakawa Toyozō. Revived the Momoyama period Shino and Seto Black wares.
  • Ishiguro Munemaro. A master of iron glazes inspired by Chinese ceramics.

Bizen and the unglazed tradition

Bizen has produced more Living National Treasures than any other kiln. Kaneshige Tōyō led its revival, and later holders include Fujiwara Kei, Yamamoto Tōshū, Fujiwara Yū and Isezaki Jun.

Porcelain

  • Sakaida Kakiemon XIV. Overglaze enamels in the Kakiemon style of Arita.
  • Imaizumi Imaemon XIII. Iro-Nabeshima, the overglaze enamelled porcelain of the Nabeshima tradition.
  • Inoue Manji. Pure white porcelain from Arita.
  • Kondō Yūzō. Underglaze blue and white porcelain from Kyoto.
  • Tokuda Yasokichi III. Graduated coloured glazes from the Kutani tradition.

Tea wares and glazes

  • Miwa Kyūsetsu XI. Hagi ware with a thick white glaze.
  • Suzuki Osamu. Shino ware.
  • Shimizu Uichi. Iron glazes.
  • Itō Sekisui V. Mumyōi, the red clay ware of Sado island.
  • Shimaoka Tatsuzō. Mashiko ware with rope impressed inlay.

Collector notes

  • A work should come in a wooden box signed and sealed by the potter, the tomobako, which is central to its value.
  • Many potters belong to family kilns with generational names, so the generation number on the box matters.
  • Pieces made before a designation are by the same hand, but collectors often prefer later, mature works.

Related references

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