Kyo-yaki & Kiyomizu-yaki/Ceramics: Masao Namikawa (Kodemarigama)
I am an artisan who paints overglaze decoration for ceramics and glass items. A characteristic feature of Kiyomizu-yaki is the use of overglaze enamel techniques. Sometimes, I paint designs on pieces that have already been shaped, such as utensils and tableware. However, I often ask for something to be made according to my own design and paint the resulting original piece.
Flowers, seasonal motifs, and lucky symbols are all things I excel at painting. I create pieces with innovative designs with various traditional skills while maintaining high-class and beautiful historic techniques. Instead of insisting on a specific style, I create a diverse range of pieces, from those with a cute touch to more realistic designs. My motto is "Fulfill 100% of the client's request. Give them 120% satisfaction."
My work, which includes tea utensils, tableware, and glassware, can be found in department stores throughout Japan. I have also engaged in many collaborations with long-established companies.
Profile
1974 Born in Kyoto
1996 Graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramists' Technical Institute
(Department of Design)
Began studying under Josui Kato (second generation) and joined Josui
Togaen
Received a Newcomer Award at the 38th Coloured Picture Pottery
Exhibition
1999 Received the Kyoto Shimbun Award at the 41st Coloured Picture
Pottery Exhibition
2002 Received the Kyoto Prefecture Governor's Award at the 24th Ceramic
Ware of Kyoto Exhibition
2003 Established Kodemarigama
Received the Kyoto Shimbun Award and Tachikichi Gion Festival
Award at the 25th Ceramic Ware of Kyoto Exhibition
Awarded first place at the 45th Coloured Picture Pottery Exhibition
2004 Received the Uji City Tourist Association President's Award at the
26th Ceramic Ware of Kyoto Exhibition
Received the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry President's
Award at the 46th Coloured Picture Pottery Exhibition
2005 Received the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft
Industries President's Award at the 26th Ceramic Ware of Kyoto
Exhibition
Received an Encouragement Award at the 47th Coloured Picture
Pottery Exhibition
Left Josui Togaen
2007 Became a Certified Kyoto Traditional Products Craftsman (Kyo-yaki
& Kiyomizu-yaki)
2017 Received a Judge's Encouragement Award at the Kyoto Prefecture
Craft Competition