Sakashita Koichi profile
Craftsman Sakashita Koichi was born in Kagoshima prefecture in 1959.
He started his studies in 1984, benefitting from the instruction of teachers in Tokyo and Tajimi(Gifu pref.).
In 1988 he became the pupil of National Living Treasure Kato Takuo (1917-2005) and his son, the seventh generation craftsman Kato Kobei
at the Kobei kiln in Mino. The Kobei kiln has a long history and is known for blending traditional and modern techniques to produce original and
highly regarded works.
In 1992 he was awarded a prize at the Mino International Ceramic Festival.
In 1993 he won the Grand Prix at the 1993 Pottery Biennale.
In 1996 he moved to Gunma prefecture and set up his own kiln,Tenkinbanka Toukouen. His work is functional and natural, crafted with a respect
for the age-old values of shape and form.