Living national treasure Kinjo Jiro (1912-2004) Vintage tsuboya pottery cup #4484

- width: approx. 7cm (2 3⁄4in)

- height: approx. 4.5cm (1 49⁄64in)

- weight: 77g (w/ box 150g)

Kinjo Jiro (1912-2004)

In 1924, Kinjo joined craftsman Arakaki Eitoku's pottery workshop in Tsuboya. The same year, he struck up an acquaintance with Hamada Shoji, who was staying in Okinawa; they forged a lifelong friendship.
In 1946, with a goal of reviving traditional Ryukyu pottery, he opened his own kiln in Tsuboya. He began to exhibit in the Crafts division of the Kokuten exhibition of Japanese art in 1955; in 1956, he won the Newcomer's Award, and in 1957, he took home the Kokugakai Prize.
In 1972, he opened a kiln in Yomitan; the same year, he was named an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Okinawa Prefecture. In 1977, he was awarded the title of Contemporary Master Craftsman by Japan's Minister of Labour. In 1981, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure 6th class; in 1985, he was named a National Important Intangible Cultural Asset (Living National Treasure).
In aiming to revive traditional Ryukyu pottery, Kinjo created ceramics that exhibited a unique warmth, featuring designs such as abstracted fish and shrimp using relief techniques. He developed work that combined function and beauty, and he was highly esteemed as a pioneer in the field of Okinawa ceramic art. He is succeeded by his eldest son, Kinjo Toshio.