26281 Living National Treasure: Kenkichi Tomimoto Polychrome Enamel Dish with Gold and Silver Decoration (1957) TOMIMOTO Kenkichi

Height: 5.3cm
Diameter: 37.2cm

Kenkichi Tomimoto, who studied interior decoration at university, then studied in England, and upon returning to Japan, entered the world of pottery through his close association with Bernard Leach. He gained popularity for his works that utilized his talent as a designer and was designated a Living National Treasure in 1955 for his "iro-e porcelain."

Kenkichi Tomimoto, who was also an excellent designer, left behind works that, even when simple, held a sophisticated and refined brilliance.

"Hanaji" (flower characters) are patterns created by stylizing the character for "flower" itself. From around 1955, Tomimoto frequently employed this hanaji motif in combination with gold and silver overglaze on red or white ground vessels. After being designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for iro-e porcelain in 1955, the early 1960s are considered his "mature period," when his gold and silver overglaze techniques and unique patterns were most established.