Ceramic plate decorated with an orchid pot

Tomimoto Kenkichi

1941

Arita ware, Kutani type, porcelain with multi-color overglaze enamels

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A round ceramic plate features a central design of a lidded pot with stylized orchids and red Chinese characters. The background is a soft blue-grey. Born in Nara, Tomimoto Kenkichi first went to Tokyo to study design and in 1908 continued his studies in London. After returning to Japan in 1910, he became associated with Bernard Leach (1887–1979), who is considered the father of British studio pottery. Tomimoto began working in ceramics and emerged as a technical innovator, celebrated for his porcelain decoration. As a university professor, he influenced the next generation of artists and was designated a Living National Treasure in 1955. Gallery Not on View Gift of Tamara and Michael Root