Star Work

A National Treasure

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This square porcelain dish from around 1930, by Japanese potter Tomimoto Kenkichi (1886 -1963), is an exciting new acquisition for York Museums Trust.

Tomimoto is most famous for his blue and white porcelain and this dish is a perfect example of his work. It is believed to be one of only two pieces of his work in a public collection in the UK.

Tomitoto's aim was to produce inexpensive pottery that anybody could buy and that nobody could afford to be without.

He was supportive of the Mingei folk craft movement when it began, but over time the idea of being an unknown potter became less attractive as his own desire for recognition grew.

Tomimoto was awarded by Order of Cultural Merit in 1951 by the Japanese Government and was made a Living National Treasure alongside fellow potters Shoji Hamada and Kanjiro Kawai in 1955. This second award is unique to Japan and recognises the skill of a potter or artist, rather than a particular piece of work.