Tomimoto Kenkichi

Kenkichi Tomimoto together with Bernard Leach studied under Kenzan 6th a dynasty of master craftsmen, they were both chosen by their master to be jointly the 7th Kenzan. He briefly studied in England and on his return to Japan, he built a kiln of his own and devoted his artistic skill to porcelain making. In 1944 Kenkichi Tomimoto became professor at Tokyo School of Fine Art and in 1950 at the renowned Kyoto City College and in 1958 its director. Towards the end of his life he received two of the highest honors, the designation as a Living National Treasure and the Order of Cultural Merit – both for his actitivities in porcelain making.