The celebrated potter Arakawa Toyozo (1894-1985) was a scholar of Mino ceramics and Momoyama tea ceremony wares. His extensive research into ancient kiln sites led to the revitalization of several traditional firing techniques, particularly those used for Oribe and Shino glazes. He was designated a Living National Treasure for Shino ware.

Biography

1894   Born in Tajimi Town, Toki-gun, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

1906   Graduated from Tajimi Jinji High School, Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture

          Joins Nose Store, a trading company in Kobe, Japan

1919     Meet Miyanaga Tozan

1922    Becomes factory manager of Higashiyama Kiln of Kyoto Miyanaga Tozan

1927　Invited by Kitaoji Rosanjin and moved to Hoshioka Kiln in Kamakura

1933　Resigned from Hoshioka Kiln and built a single chamber kiln

　　　in the Momoyama period style in Shiga prefecture

1941　Held his first solo exhibition at the Osaka Hankyu Department Store

1946　Rented a mountain owned by Kokeizan Eihoji Temple

           in Tajimi City and built the Suigetsu Kiln

1955   Recognized as the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property

           “Shino ware” and “Setoguro”

1971 　Received the Cultural Medal of Honor. Became an honorary citizen of Tajimi City

1984 　Arakawa Toyozo Museum opened

1985     Passed away