24722 Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo (Bizen sake cup, fired at Bizen Eisuke kiln) ARAKAWA Toyozo

Height 4.8cm

Diameter 6.1cm

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 built a semi-above ground anagama (hole kiln) modeled after the Momoyama period kiln in Ogaya, where the remains of the Mutahora kiln in Kukuri, Kani City, are located, where he discovered fragments of Koshino bamboo shoot painting pottery. He then created a unique style of pottery called "Arakawa Shino". He also produced works in kilns all over the country, firing them in kilns in Shigaraki, Bizen, Hagi, Karatsu, and other areas, and has left behind a wide variety of pottery in addition to Shino. He is the most famous master in the pottery world, having been selected as two Living National Treasures for Shino and Setoguro, an unprecedented feat.