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Tsuji Seimei


辻 清明 
(1927-2008)


Tsuji Seimei was a renowned Japanese ceramist, known for his mastery of Shigaraki ceramics. Born in Setagaya, Tokyo, he developed an early interest in ceramics, learning to throw on the wheel as early as age 11. This passion led him to co-found the Tsuji Ceramic Laboratory with his sister as a young teenager. During those years he met with master potters Itaya Hazan, Tomimoto Kenkichi and Shoji Hamada to ask for their thoughts and advice on his work. They were curious by his modern approach to a traditional form of ceramics.

Tsuji was celebrated for his functional pieces, like tea wares, as well as sculptural works inspired by his collection of antiques. Believing it is the purest form of Japanese pottery, Tsuji fired mostly Shigaraki and Karatsu at his kiln Renkoji in Tama-shi. Based in Tokyo it was unusual for him to focus on these styles. Shigaraki, the name of a town in Shiga Prefecture, has a distinctive style of pottery, made from prized clay taken from its hills. Tsuji’s use of Shigaraki clay combined with his unique style became known as "Tokyo-Shigaraki." Tsuji's work, which blended tradition with innovation, left a lasting impact on Japanese ceramics. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy.

Artworks


Ceramic can  


Turnip bowl

Ceramic tiles - set of two