22650 Living National Treasure Tomimoto Kenkichi (5 colored sake cups)

Height 3.7cm Diameter 5.4cm

*Currently under negotiation

Tomimoto Kenkichi studied interior decoration at university and studied in England before returning to Japan, where he began his career as a potter through his friendship with Bernard Leach. He gained popularity for his works that made use of his talent as a designer, and in 1955 he was designated a Living National Treasure for his "overglaze porcelain." Tomimoto Kenkichi was also an excellent designer, and even his simple works had a sophisticated and elegant brilliance to them. The folk art style is decorated with design-like patterns, and the pieces are elegant and full of the moisture you would expect from an artist skilled in design. Judging from the pottery seal, the piece was made in 1931.