Mr. Seihoh Tsukiji was born in 1944. His elegant and artful works are sustained, and he spares no effort with his high level traditional techniques and his original techniques. He won the awards of Aichi prefecture governor general, and many other awards. He is one of the leading authorities in the Tokoname Yaki industry.
(Tokoname Yaki)
Kyusu produced in the Tokoname region in the Aichi Prefecture account for 30 to 40 percent of the market share in Japan. The Kyusu industry has developed in Tokoname because fine particle soil which contains a lot of iron has been mined there for many hundreds of years.
Tokoname Yaki artisans are traditionally known for excelling in the woodturning technique. The Tokoname woodturning technique is said to be the best in Japan. Tokoname Yaki can be produced thinly, exquisitely or decoratively.
The surface of Tokoname Yaki are generally vermilion or black in color. The vermilion color is due to iron that is contained in the local soil. The black color is created by placing carbon on the surface of the Kyusu. When this is heated to a high temperature, the iron and carbon create a black color.
Tokoname Yaki are made from fine particle soil and heated to a high temperature, so that they are quite strong.