Toshinori Munakata, the ninth generation Munakata Kiln owner, loves Tenmoku

Today, we would like to introduce Toshinori Munakata of Aizuhongo ware, one of the craftsmen whose works are available at Takumi Japan.   

Mr. Munakata studied ceramics making and honed his skills at Munakata Kiln under his grandfather Ryoichi and father Toshihiro, who are the 7th and 8th generation masters of the kiln. 

While studying the history of ceramics, he was fascinated by the beauty and depth of Chinese tenmoku tea cups and used to grind tenmoku tea cups on his potter's wheel in his spare time from work. 

In 2018, he decided to enter a public competition in China with a tenmoku tea cup and started making tenmoku tea cup in earnest, winning a silver prize in the contest for his "Silver-colored tenmoku tea cup". 

The ancestors of Munakata Kiln (founded in 1718) moved to Aizu as priests of Munakata-taisha Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture in the Nara period (over 1200 years ago) for missionary work and built Munakata Shrine. 

While serving as a priest for generations, the Munakatas fired pottery for a living. Mr. Munakata is the ninth generation of such a venerable kiln. 

Incidentally, Munakata Shrine (located in Aizu Misato) is said to be a guardian deity of transportation, including river transportation. 

 

The real self of craftsman: His motto is "Every day is a good day”  

Let us introduce the real self of Toshinori Munakata.

Birthplace: Aizu Misato Town, Onuma County, Fukushima Prefecture  Current residence: Same as above Birthday & Constellation: February 19 / Pisces  Interest: Watching movies, listening to music Recently addicted: Walking in nature Motto: " Every day is a good day ”～日日是好日～ Kanji that describe you and why: "創（create）" - because I am always creating, with the goal of challenging myself to do something new. *Answered: May 2023

 

Kanji "創" expresses himself. It is truly a character that is typical of craftsmen.

The motto "日日是好日" literally means "Every day is a peaceful and good day" but the Buddhist phrase "日日是好日" actually has many more profound interpretations. 

Large sake cup, Blue colored, Tenmoku, Deep type

Mr. Munakata's Tenmoku cups are available at Takumi Japan. Please enjoy his works while thinking about the distant history. 

▼ Takumi Japan Official Website
https://japantakumi.com/en