[Kishu Ware]
Kishu ware is ceramics produced in the Kishu domain (present Wakayama prefecture) in the Edo period. It started in the Bunmei era (1818-1830) under the patrontage of the Kishu Tokugawa family. There were many Kishu ware kilns there, however Kishu ware kilns were closed after abolition of the han system was held in 1871. Once the history of Kishu ended in 1878, although Sehou Samukawa I, the master of Aoigama kiln revived Kishu ware in 1937.
[Seiho SAMUKAWA]
The first generation Seiho was the pupil of the potter Sozan Sawada.
With the master Sawada's high recommendation, he became the head of the ceramic research center of Aichi prefecture. In Showa 7 (1932), he opened his klin in Odawara, Takanoguchi.
Yorisada Tokugawa, the Feudal Lord of then-Ki she, was in search of the true inheritor of Kishu yaki ware. Kishu yaki ware had a long history of tradition, however, without the inheritor, it was in a serious danger of extinction at that time.
Yorisada visited the kiln of Seiho. Yorisada was deeply impressed with his works of art. He eagerly asked Seiho for the revival of Kishu yaki ware. Seiho was touched by his passion, and decided to dedicate his life for the revival of Kishu yaki ware.
Yorisada was pleased with his decision and dedication. He bestowed an honor and a new kiln name "Kishu yaki Aoi kama (kiln)".
Later, he suffered from difficulties such as confusion and poverty after the second world war. He finally made Nachi Black glaze to completion in Showa 31 (1956), after his long period of experimentation and researches. In addition, he also developed other glazes and styles known as Akashino, Seiji, Kaki Tenmoku etc. and made Aoi Kama kilin more prosperity.
In Showa 37 (1962), When Emperor Showa and Empress took royal visit to Nanki, the southern part of Kishuu, Wakayama prefecture. At their visit, tea with Seiho's chawan was presented to the royal couple. Seiho was awarded as the Holder of Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. In two years, he held an exhibition at Mitsukoshi department store in Nipponbashi. In the same year, he was awarded The Cultural honorable mention by the Wakayama prefecture and he was designated as The holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Shirahama-cho town. At his death at the age of 77, he was awarded
The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays. He made numerous and various contributions.
[Jiro Samukawa]
The second generation master Seiho as known as Jiro Samukawa
まだ作業途中です　NAGAO