Collection: Artist Category > The "KA" column (Rosanjin Kitaoji, etc.) > Rosanjin Kitaoji

Born in Kyoto in 1883, Kitaoji Rosanjin (real name Fusajiro) was a rare artist active from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. He displayed his unique talent in a wide range of fields, including ceramics, lacquerware, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, and his works are still highly acclaimed today.

As a foster child, he grew up in a complicated environment, moving from one foster home to another, but in the process he was exposed to a variety of lifestyles and cultures, and developed an interest in fine cuisine and tableware. In his youth, his talent for calligraphy and seal carving was recognized, and he eventually entered the world of antiques. In 1921, while running an antiques business, he opened the members-only restaurant "Bishoku Club," which later developed into the famous "Hoshioka Saryo."

Believing that "food needs tableware that brings out the flavor of the food," he took up ceramics in earnest, leaving behind many excellent pieces using a variety of techniques, including Shino, Oribe, Bizen, and Shigaraki. Believing that tableware and food are one and complete, he left behind the famous quote, "tableware is the kimono of food," and his pieces, which embody this philosophy, are still used in restaurants today.

He passed away in 1959 at the age of 76, but his unique world, which combined fine cuisine and fine art, continues to fascinate people to this day.