Fugetsu Murakoshi

Fugetsu Murakoshi was born into a family that created ceramic art in Tokoname, Aichi (mid-Japan) in 1950. He served an apprenticeship under a Living Human Treasure, Jozan Yamada the 3rd. He then became independent and won a Japan Arts and Crafts prize and numerous other prizes. His works are exhibited regularly at major art galleries in Japan. He is a leader of the Potters Association of Tokoname. Tokoname is one of the six major ceramic ware sites in Japan. (Other sites include Seto, Bizen, Shigaraki, Tanba and Echizen.) Tokoname’s ash glazed wares were first produced in the 12th century, and there were more than 4,000 kilns in Tokoname in the 14th century. As the largest ceramic ware production site, Tokoname produced jars, pots, bowls and dishes and distributed them throughout Japan. It started producing teapots in the 18th century based on China’s Yixin teapots. Tokoname has produced the highest class teapots since then. Jozan Yamada the 3rd (1924-2005), who specialized in making teapots in Tokoname, was certified as a Living Human Treasure in 1998. Tokoname teapots are made of clays that include iron. Therefore, they turn reddish brown when fired under an oxidation atmosphere.