Page 157 - Satsuma MARKS The Joy Of Beauty 1000 Pottery and Porcelain Marks

Ninsei

Nomomura Ninsei / Kyoto 1650
The word ‘Kyo-yaki’ means pottery made in the city of Kyoto; it also denotes a great
flowering of the decorative arts that found its way into the Tea room by the single
handed efforts of one man- Nonomura Ninsei. As the Edo period ushered in an era
of peace in Japan, the arts began to flourish in spectacular ways. Ninsei was born in
Tamba which was a pottery making center, and eventually made his way to the Old
Capital. “Ninsei is a combination of his given name ‘Seiemon’, and the name of the
Buddhist Temple Ninna ji where his kiln was located in the city of Kyoto. Before
moving to Kyoto around 1647, He studied ceramics and glazing techniques in Seto.
After settling near the Temple, he established the Omuro kiln at a respectful
distance from the front gate. He fostered a close relationship with the great Tea
Master Kawamori Sowa (1585-1656). From this he developed a style of ceramics
known as ‘Kirei-sabi’ (elegant and worn; the beauty of the ageing object of formal
tastes). Ninsei borrowed from and adapted existing styles to create works of color
and refinement that Kawamori promoted. He used white stone ware and enamel
over-glazes to conjure works that still have a major influence to the present day. His
attention to fine detail and brilliant use of design made war lords, merchants, and
aristocrats pay handsome sums for his pieces.
NISHI
西

Dai Nippon, Nishi

Nishi – Showa 1 period
NISHIDA
西 田

Dai Nippon, Kyoto, Nishida zo