Koheiji Miura: Japanese Genius of Ceramic Art
Koheiji Miura: Master of Celadon Ceramics
Born on the picturesque island of Sado, Niigata in 1933, Koheiji Miura emerged as a visionary in the art of ceramics, leaving an indelible mark on the Japanese art world. His journey began with an education in sculpture at the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts, where he graduated in 1955, forging the path to a distinguished and recognized career in ceramics.
Miura’s work is an embodiment of tradition and innovation, where past and present coexist in aesthetic visual harmony.
Miura’s contribution to Japan’s ceramics and art in general was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Minister of Education Award in 1976 and a recognition from the Japan Ceramic Society in 1977.
His exceptional talent and dedication to traditional craftsmanship led to his designation as a Living National Treasure in 1997, a title that underscores his importance and contribution to Japan’s cultural heritage.
Miura’s works, known for their sophisticated celadon glaze, are reminiscent of the guan porcelains of the Chinese imperial court of the Southern Song period, with a color palette that leans toward soft blue-green tones and a smooth texture that invites contemplation.
A distinctive aspect of his work is the inclusion of playful elements, as seen in the donkey-shaped knob on one of his famous lidded jugs, inspired by his sketches made during a trip to Central Asia.
Miura’s legacy is not only reflected in his creations, but also in his influence on future generations through his teaching at Tokyo University of the Arts, where he became a professor in 1990. His dedication to education and his passion for sharing his knowledge with young artists underscore his commitment to the perpetuation of ceramic art.
Koheiji Miura passed away in 2006, at the age of 73, but his legacy lives on in every ceramic piece he left behind, serving as an everlasting reminder of his artistry and innovative spirit.
List of Japanese master ceramists
In an attempt to give recognition to the master ceramists of Japan, we have made a series of biographical articles, you can access them through this drop-down list.
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