Kenkichi Tomimoto (1886–1963), born in Nara Prefecture, was a leading figure in modern Japanese ceramics. He studied design and architecture at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts before turning to ceramics. Tomimoto avoided simply copying traditional patterns; instead, he placed great importance on observing the flowers, plants and landscapes around him and creating new designs based on his own observations. He worked in a wide range of techniques, including white porcelain, blue-and-white porcelain, coloured porcelain, and gold-and-silver decoration; in particular, his coloured porcelain with gold and silver decoration from his later years saw him perfect a unique artistic world that combined elegant vessel forms with intricate patterns. In 1955, he was designated a Living National Treasure as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for coloured porcelain.

When viewing Kenkichi Tomimoto’s works, one is first captivated by the beautiful order of the patterns. Even when intricate patterns are repeated, they never become monotonous; there is a pleasing rhythm to every line and colour. Furthermore, even his lavish works featuring gold and silver possess a calm dignity, with the decoration and the form of the vessel complementing one another. To me, Tomimoto’s works feel like ceramics that inherit traditional craft techniques whilst incorporating a modern sense of design. I believe that Kenkichi Tomimoto’s originality is best expressed in his approach of seeking to create patterns inspired by the nature he observed first-hand.