94. Yamaguchi Makoto 山口真人

Makoto Yamaguchi was born in Seto in 1978, the son of Masafumi Yamaguchi and the sixth generation of a family of potters.  He learned the trade not at the University, but in the traditional way as an apprentice to his father and at Kasumisen Pottery under Kato Hiroshige. He grew up with the ceramic art and established artists such as Kaneko Jun and Koie Ryoji , who visited the parental home, inspired him to make ceramics in an artistic manner. Therefore, he did not immediately adopt the family title after his four-year apprenticeship, but pursued his dream of becoming an individual artist. Nonetheless, he also felt the responsibility to continue the established and beloved traditions, and sought innovation in them. In his work, Makoto Yamaguchi employs the "Utsushi うつし" principle, or studying traditional techniques by copying them. He bases himself on classical forms but with a highly personal and individual interpretation of them. 

He managed to come up with very contemporary creations of age-old traditions, using glazes of Mino-yaki (Shino & Oribe), Kiseto-yaki and Ofukai. Ki-Seto is a high-fired pottery originating in the late 16th century and is part of the Mino family of ceramic styles. Mino ceramics are mostly produced in the Seto and Mino areas of Gifu Prefecture. Ofukai is a type of pottery that was fired in the former mansions and kilns of Kamagane, where Oribe was fired during the Kiseto and Shino eras, adding a touch of Shino Oribe to the Kiseto style.

Although Makoto Yamaguchi's work is highly authetnical, he remains true to the traditions of his native region. Consequently, his beautiful forms and fabulous green and blue glazes have garnered much admiration from both contemporary ceramists and more traditionally minded artists. He is considered one of the most important Oribe artists of his generation and has had the opportunity to exhibit his work in numerous solo exhibitions in the best galleries.

Oribe hanaire vase  - Tosei Kyoto Gallery