Jiro Kinjo
Born in Okinawa Prefecture in 1912. In 1924, he worked at the pottery factory of the master Tsuboya craftsman Arakaki Eitoku. In 1946, he became independent at the age of 36. He was taught by Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro. In 1957, he won the Kokuten Kokugakai Award. In 1967, he won the Okinawa Times Art Encouragement Prize Grand Prize. In 1972, he built a climbing kiln in Zakimi, Yomitan Village. In the same year, he was recognized as a holder of an intangible cultural property of Okinawa Prefecture. In 1973, he became a member of the Kokugakai. In 1977, he was recognized as a contemporary master craftsman. In 1985, he was recognized as a holder of an important intangible cultural property (living national treasure) for "Ryukyu pottery."
