Tomimoto Kenkichi 富本憲吉 1886-1963

Born in Nara, Japan

Tomimoto Kenkichi has long been considered the most influential Japanese ceramic artist of the 20th century. As a technical innovator and genius with surface decoration, he was also the founder of the ceramics department at Kyoto City University of Arts, which profoundly changed the course of direction for the next generation of clay artists. He wrote prolifically and insightfully on this field. Tomimoto believed that patterns should never be reused, and took inspiration from nature in order to keep his work fresh and new.

Not born into a traditional pottery family but educated in things Western, he had a much broader view of Japanese ceramics. As a teacher, he expounded on the importance of individuality, originality, and the confluence of forms and patterns. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his own beliefs and attempted to instill these ethical values in his pupils. Tomimoto was unquestionably the seminal figure in the history of modern clay as his students became important professors at universities across Japan and they, in turn, taught many of the current reigning masters. His level of technique, attention to detail and innovative spirit only further underscores his place as a master of ceramic art and as a true artist.

"The legacy Tomimoto left his students, through his many texts and instructions at university, is of utmost importance to the history of Japanese art and deserves a separate study. The discourse of modern Japanese ceramics was profoundly affected by Tomimoto's teachings."

- Prof. Meghen Jones