Fujimoto Yoshimichi (Nōdō)

(1919-1992)

FUJIMOTO YOSHIMICHI (NŌDŌ) was renowned for his depictions of birds in nature executed in overglaze enamels on large porcelain vessels, boxes, and platters. A Tokyo native, Fujimoto received his degree from Tokyo University of the Arts, where years later he joined the faculty and became an important teacher to many accomplished clay artists. Earlier, in 1941, he entered the Crafts Technical Training Center where he later trained with Tomimoto Kenkichi (1886-1963) and briefly also taught. After the war, Fujimoto again studied under Tomimoto, focusing on production ware made for the international market. In his mid-thirties, he concentrated on sculpture and joined both the Sōdeisha and the Modern Art Association. Despite his potential in this new arena, he returned to functionality and then invented a painterly layered-glazing technique on porcelain that produced a watercolor-like effect for his representational depictions of nature, which led to his 1986 designation as a Living National Treasure.

Selected Awards:

1944                Kōhū-kai Craft Prize, Kofu-kai exhibition
1956                Japan Ceramic Society Award
1965                Award for Excellence, Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition
                        Silver Prize, Genève International Crafts Exhibition
1981                Gold Prize, Japan Ceramic Society Award
                        National Cultural Achievement Medal for the Arts
1986                Designated a Living National Treasure for iro-e porcelain
1991                Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star