Jozan Yamada III #2

Jozan Yamada III 山田常山

Yamada Jōzan III is considered one of the most distinguished tea ceramic artists in Japanese history. Renowned for mastering over 100 distinct kyusu forms, he was the first (and so far only) Tokoname potter to be designated a Living National Treasure in 1998. This brought him much acclaim while elevating Tokoname teaware to the status of fine art. As president of the Society for Handmade Kyusu (Tezukuri Kyūsu no Kai, 手作り急須の会) and a mentor to many disciples – including his son Jōzan IV (b.1954), grandson Sou Yamada (b.1979) and Murakoshi Fugetsu (b.1950) – his profound influence on ceramic art endures today.

Born Minoru Yamada in 1924 to a renowned ceramic family in Tokoname, he learned his craft under his father, Jōzan II (1897–1961), and grandfather, Jōzan I (1868–1942). Upon his father’s death in 1961, he officially assumed the title Jōzan III, a hereditary title now held by his son following his own passing in 2005.

Tokoname-Yaki 常滑焼

Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi prefecture, as far back as the 12th century, and since 1976 has been protected as a Traditional Craft of Japan. Tokoname was the site of the largest and oldest of the legendary Rokkoyō (六古窯): the “Six Ancient Kilns” of Japan, and is celebrated for its iron-rich Shudei clay that turns a bright red after firing. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red Shudei turns black – another characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki.