86. Ichino Masahiko 市野 雅彦

Ichino Masahiko is the second son of Ichino Shinmizu from a family of well-known potters and tea pottery artisans. He was born in 1968 in Tamba Tatekui Tatekui, a Tamba ware producing area surrounded by mountains that feels like a hidden village. He trained in ceramics at Saga Art Junior College, after which he continued his studies with his father and with the renowned Masayuki Imai. Ichino Masahiko's native region is known for the production of Tamba ceramics, which are among the six traditional kilns of ancient Japan. Ichino Masahiko stays true to the rich and timeless tradition of Tamba yaki, but at the same time manages to give it a very modern look. Ichino Masahiko is therefore considered "the new face" of Tamba pottery because of his unique design that does justice to the ancient tradition of his ancestors but also to the contemporary aesthetic sense.

For his works, he does use the potter's wheel but always finishes them by hand so that they are shaped exactly according to his ideas.  Ichino Masahiko's work is characterized by a beautiful, almost hushed and rustic design, in which undulating lines and graphic embellishments reinforce each other. Also in his colors and textures Ichino Masahiko distinguishes himself from the traditional Tamba ware, his use of salt glaze and red clay can be uniquely named and provides an extra dimension to his work.

Ichino Masahiko works are highly appreciated in Japan and abroad. He has participated in numerous exhibitions, and won awards, including the Japan Ceramic Association Award in 2006, and the Cultural Prize of Hyogo Prefecture. His work is included in the collection of prominent museums such as the Brooklyn Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum.