Miwa Kyuwa (Kyusetsu X)

Miwa Kyuwa (Kyusetsu X) was a leading figure in the Hagi ware tradition of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Born into the distinguished Miwa pottery family, he succeeded as head of the Miwa kiln and continued a lineage dating back several centuries.

Working within the Hagi tradition, Kyuwa developed vessels characterised by soft forms and luminous white glazes. These glazes reveal delicate crackles and subtle colour variations created during firing, emphasising the tactile and contemplative qualities of Hagi ceramics.

His work was widely recognised in Japan and played an important role in sustaining the vitality of Hagi pottery during the twentieth century. In 1970 he was designated a Living National Treasure.