Ninsei (仁清) was a Japanese potter, who lived in the Edo Period, roughly between the 1640s to the 1690s.[1] He was born Nonomura Seisuke (野々村), and later received the first name Seiemon (清右衛門). He was later bestowed with the artistic name Ninsei, with a seal.

Biography

Tea-leaf jar with a design of wisteria by Ninsei, Edo period (National Treasure)

Little is known directly about his life; he is believed to have been born in the village of Tamba,[2] near Tachikui in Hyogo Prefecture, near Kyoto.

He is associated with Kyō ware, often being credited as one of the key founders and influencers.[3] He was a master craftsman who perfected the colourful painted pottery in Kyoto. After learning the technique of making tea jars in Seto, around the Shōhō era (1644-1648) he opened the Omuro kiln in front of the gate of Ninnaji Temple.[4] Tea master Kanamori Sowa (Shigechika) heaped high praise for his excellent potter's wheel technology and Kyoto-style design.[5] In response to orders from the public and daimyō families his ware became popular with Japanese tea ceremony.

He is also believed to have had a son, nicknamed "Ninsei II", who attempted to succeed him in his work, but did not reach the same level.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Ninsei-style Incense Burner with Flowers of the Four Seasons". www.metmuseum.org. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  2. ^ SAKAMOTO, Toru; UEMURA, Fujio (1972). "Marine Pleistocene near Kinosaki, Japan Sea Coast of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan". The Journal of the Geological Society of Japan. 78 (8): 415–416. doi:10.5575/geosoc.78.415. ISSN 0016-7630.
  3. ^ "KYO-YAKI Menu - EY Net Japanese Pottery Primer". www.e-yakimono.net. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  4. ^ "Nonomura Ninsei | Tea Caddy, named Tall (Seitaka) | Japan | Edo period (1615–1868)".
  5. ^ http://www.sowaryu.jp/sowa_rekishi-e.html
  6. ^ "Ninsei Nonomura, Kyoto Artist, Kyo-Yaki, March 2004 Japan Times Story by Robert Yellin". www.e-yakimono.net. Retrieved 6 February 2019.

External links

Media related to Nonomura Ninsei at Wikimedia Commons