Ninsei

Ninsei (仁清) was a Japanese potter, who lived in the Edo Period, roughly between the 1640s to the 1690s.¹ He was born Nonomura Seisuke (野々村), and later received the first name Seiemon (清右衛門). He was later bestowed with the artistic name Ninsei, with a seal.

Little is known directly about his life; he is believed to have been born in the village of Tamba,² near Tachikui in Hyogo Prefecture, near Kobe.

He is associated with Kyō ware, often being credited as one of the key founders and influencers.³ He was a master craftsman who perfected the colourful painted pottery in Kyoto. After learning the technique of making tea jars in Seto, around the Shōhō era (1644-1648) he opened the Omuro kiln in front of the gate of Ninnaji Temple.⁴ Tea master Kanamori Sowa (Shigechika) heaped high praise for his excellent potter's wheel technology and Kyoto-style design.⁵ In response to orders from the public and daimyō families his ware became popular with Japanese tea ceremony.

He is also believed to have had a son, nicknamed "Ninsei II", who attempted to succeed him in his work, but did not reach the same level.⁶