Arakawa Toyozō 荒川 豊蔵 1894-1985

While apprenticing with the celebrated and irascible Kitaōji Rosanjin (1883-1959), ARAKAWA TOYOZŌ discovered the ancient kiln sites at Mino that allowed him to redefine the origins of the Momoyama tea ceremony wares. His most famous discovery was that of true Shino ware shards at Mutabora, where he later built his kiln. Most importantly, his discovery of these old kiln sites allowed Arakawa to successfully replicate the Shino and Oribe glazing techniques of the 16th century, becoming the first modern potter to do so. In 1955, his powerful Momoyama-inspired Shino and Setoguro wares earned him the designation of Living National Treasure for Shino ware, making him the first to be so recognized.