Ohtani Masahiko - Keisen kiln


Potter's profile - Ohtani Masahiko

1963-Born in Nagato, Yamaguchi prefecture
1984 (March)- Graduated from Yamaguchi College of Arts
1984 (April) - Started his apprenticeship at Miwa Kyusetsu kiln under the guidance of Miwa Eizou, the younger brother or the present Miwa Kyusetsu
1990 - Awarded a prize at the Seibu Traditional Crafts Exhibition (also awarded in 1991 and 1992)
1991 - Awarded a prize at the Yamaguchi Arts Exhibition (awarded for 5 consecutive years)
1992 - Awarded a prize at the “Cha no yu no zoukei”(shaping techniques) Exhibition (awarded for 4 consecutive years)
1998 - Set up his own kiln in Nagato city, Yamaguchi pref.
1999 - Held his first private exhibition at Tobu Department Store, Tokyo
2000 - Awarded a prize at the Modern Tea ware Exhibition Exhibited at the Nihon Kogei Kai (Japan Traditional Crafts) Exhibition, Yamaguchi chapter for the first time. Awarded a prize from the Asashi Shimbun Newspaper (also awarded the following year)
2001 - Awarded a prize at the “Oribe no kokoro”Exhibition for the first time Exhibited at the Nihon Kogei Kai (Japan Traditional Crafts) Exhibition, Yamaguchi chapter for the second time.
2004 - Awarded a prize at the “Oribe no kokoro”Exhibition for the second time
2005 - Awarded a prize at the “Cha no yu no zoukei”(shaping techniques) Exhibition
2007 - Awarded the Hagi Modern Pottery Grand Prix

Mr. Ohtani Masahiko is known for his unique shaping techniques, for which he has won numerous awards. One look at his pieces shows them to be dynamic and arresting. He is also respected for his diligence to his craft. One third of the whole year is devoted to his research into different types of glazes which he prepares himself . The glazes are created by burning different types of wood and straw. Straw from near the sea is rejected due to its high salt content, a fact which reflects his committment to using only materials which live up to his rigorous standards.



Mr. Otani Masahiko and the climbing kiln which he built himself.

Aohagi(blue) vase