Kiyomizu Rokubei

Japanese: 清水六兵衛 - きよみずろくべえ

Traditional Kyoto potters. Eight generations of the family have taken the name Shimizu Rokubei. The first (1738-99) opened a kiln in Gojozaka, Kyoto in 1768 (Meiwa 5). Considered a unique potter at the time, he led the pottery industry in Kyoto during the late Edo period. The family was succeeded by the 2nd (1790-1860), 3rd (1822-83), 4th (1848-1920), 5th (1875-1959), 6th (1901-80), 7th (1922-2006), and 8th (1954- ), but particularly noteworthy are the 4th, who dedicated himself to the revival of Kyoto ware during the turbulent period from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era, the 5th Rokuwa, who formed a friendship with Tomioka Tessai and others, was outstanding in the development of glazes, and devoted himself to the modernization of Kyoto ware, and the 6th, who was a man of outstanding ability among the generations.

[Yoshiaki Yabe]

6th generation

The eldest son of the 5th generation. Formerly named Shotaro. In 1913 (Taisho 2), he joined his father in the world of pottery and developed many techniques that added new interpretations to traditional Kyoto ware techniques. His works such as Ranyo (three-color indigo), Shuyo (rust), and Kokisai (ancient Japanese porcelain) that made extensive use of gold and silver were highly praised, and he became a leading figure in the Nitten ceramics division. In 1956 (Showa 31), he received the Art Academy Prize for his Gengama Swan Vase, became a member of the Japan Art Academy in 1987, and was named a Person of Cultural Merit in 1976. However, he suddenly passed away in April 1980 on the opening day of the Rokubei Famous Pottery Exhibition in Tokyo. The following June 1981, his son-in-law Kyubei took over as the 7th generation potter.

[Yoshiaki Yabe]

"Complete Collection of Contemporary Japanese Ceramics 13: Shimizu Rokubei" (1981, Shueisha)

[Reference item] | Kyoto ware

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

Japanese:

京都の伝統陶芸家。代々清水六兵衛を名のり、8代を数える。初代（1738―99）は1768年（明和5）京都五条坂に開窯。当時異色の陶工と目され、江戸後期、京都の陶業を主導して一家をなした。2代（1790―1860）、3代（1822―83）、4代（1848―1920）、5代（1875―1959）、6代（1901―80）、7代（1922―2006）、8代（1954―　）と続くが、とりわけ、幕末から明治への混乱期に京焼の再興に尽くした4代目、また富岡鉄斎などと親交を結び、釉薬(ゆうやく)の開発に目覚ましい活躍をみせ、京焼の近代化に意を注いだ5代目六和、そして代々のなかでも傑出した力量の持ち主6代目の存在は特筆すべきである。

［矢部良明］

6代

5代目の長男。旧名正太郎。1913年（大正2）父に就いて作陶の道に入り、伝統的な京焼の技法に新しい解釈を加えた多くの技法を開発。三彩藍(らんよう)や銹(しゅうよう)、金銀彩を多用した古稀(こき)彩などが高い評価を得、日展陶芸部門の重鎮となった。56年（昭和31）の玄窯白鳥花瓶で芸術院賞を受け、62年日本芸術院会員、76年には文化功労者となったが、80年4月「六兵衛名陶展」の初日に東京の会場で急逝した。翌81年6月、女婿の九兵衛が7代目を襲名。

［矢部良明］

『『現代日本陶芸全集13　清水六兵衛』（1981・集英社）』

[参照項目] | 京焼

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