26178 Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo Scroll Shrimp

Length: 120cm
Width 50cm

A representative Mino ware potter of the Showa era, he goes by the names Todean and Muta Tojin. He was born in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture. He sought the origins of pottery in Shino from the Momoyama period, and discovered fragments of Koshino pottery with bamboo shoot designs. In Ogaya, where the Mutahora ancient kiln ruins are located in Kukuri, Kani City, he built a semi-above-ground anagama kiln modeled after the Momoyama period kilns, and continued to create pottery with the aim of recreating Koshino. He established a unique style known as "Arakawa Shino."

He also produces works in kilns all over the country, firing in local kilns in Shigaraki, Bizen, Hagi, Karatsu, and other areas, leaving behind a wide variety of ceramics in addition to Shino. He is the most famous master in the ceramics world, having been designated a Living National Treasure for both Shino and Setoguro wares. The shrimp is depicted with Toyozo's characteristic free-flowing brushstrokes.