The First
Setsuzan Onimaru

1912‐1996

- History -

  • Born May 26, as the second son to the head of the Koishiwara pottery kiln.

    Began the study of pottery making from a young age by using a pottery wheel. Studied pottery working under Hakata Doll craftsman Yoichi Okiayu, recognized by Fukuoka Prefecture as an intangible cultural asset for his techniques.

  • Built kiln

  • Works selected to be shown at the Fukuoka Prefecture Art Exhibition.

  • Works selected to be shown at the Japan Chinaware Art Exhibition, followed by numerous other exhibitions.

  • Solo exhibition at Tokyo's Nihonbashi Takashimaya, followed by numerous solo exhibitions across Japan.

  • Recognized as a Contributor to the Traditional Craft Industry by the Minister of International Trade and Industry.

  • Received award as executive board member of the Chikugo Federation of Small Business Associations.

    Appointed Chairman of the Koishiwara Pottery Manufacturers’ Cooperative Association.

  • Died September 5

Takatori Kinmokume Yohen ChawanD12.9×H7.7㎝
Zogan(Inlaid) PlatterD74.0×H12.0㎝
Bat and MonkeyD16.0×L24.0×H25.0㎝

The First
Hekizan Onimaru

1947‐2006

- History -

  • Born April 19.

    Granted name “Hekizan” by Komei Hotani, Roshi of Daitokuji, the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

  • Works selected to be shown at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition.

  • Works selected to be shown at the Japan Chinaware Art Exhibition, followed by numerous other exhibitions.

  • Works selected to be shown at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, followed by awards and showings at numerous other exhibitions. Solo exhibition at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, followed by numerous solo exhibitions across Japan.

    Recognized as full member of the Japan Kogei Association.

  • Recognized as a traditional craftsman by the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.

  • Presented with an award by the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry.

  • Appointed Executive member of the Kyushu Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.

    Appointed Chairman of Koishiwara Pottery Manufacturers’ Cooperative Association.

  • Died January 1

Mimi-tsuki HanaireW10.8×L11.0×H24.0㎝
Takatori Mimi-tsuki ChaireD12.9×H7.7㎝
Takatori Kudamimi-tsuki MizusashiW17.1×L16.1×H18.5㎝
HanaireD21.5×H26.6㎝
Hisago HanaireD8.5×H28.8㎝
TeapotW17.8×L14.5×H11.2㎝

The Second
Hekizan Onimaru

1972

- History -

  • Born as eldest son (given name at birth: Yusuke) to the first Hekizan Onimaru.

  • Graduated Osaka University of Arts, Plastic Arts Course, Crafts Department.

  • Began pottery making in Koishiwara, Fukuoka Prefecture.

  • Received Incentive Award at the Fukuoka Prefecture Art Exhibition.

  • Works selected to be shown at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition.

    Named as second “Hekizan” by Myoho Takada, Roshi of Daitoku-ji, the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

  • Received Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize from the Japan Recommended Gifts and Souvenirs Examination Board.

  • Received Television Nishinippon Award at the West Japan Pottery Art Exhibition.

  • Received Incentive Award at the Kobe Biennale Chinaware Exhibition Competition.

  • Became full member of the Japan Kogei Association.

  • Exhibited at the Biennale of Contemporary Pottery and Ceramics of Sèvres, held by the National Museum of Ceramic of Sèvres in France.

  • Presented Takatori-yaki speakers at the European Triode Festival 2014 in Berlin, Germany.

  • Exhibited at the REVELATIONS art event held at the Grand Palais in Paris, France.

    His “Fragrant Cup” was selected for “The Wonder 500™”, a Cool Japan project for regional revitalization organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

  • His Fragrant Cups were exhibited at the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception at the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.

  • Invited and exhibited at the 52es Fêtes de la Saint-Martin (Belgium).

    オックスフォード大学アシュモリアン博物館にて講演

Ginkakuji Tenmoku ChawanD12.0×H6.5㎝
Ginkakuji Tenmoku Chawan (Foot)
Daruma Seated FigureW52.0×L36.0×H66.5㎝
Aka-yu Big BowlD39.0×H14.6㎝