Yasokichi Tokuda III (1933-2009) was born into a Kutaniware pottery family. Kutaniware traditionally used dark-blue, purple, green and yellow glazes, but its creators also produced more contemporary colors based on traditional hues. Tokuda himself took advantage of the 200 different colored glazes now available to ceramicists.
In 1997, Tokuda was recognized by the Japanese government as a Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (now more commonly known as a Living National Treasure) for his pioneering technique of firing glazes at a high temperature to create brilliant gradations of colors. On display are 93 works, of which 72 are by Tokuda himself; till May 29.
Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, (079) 597-3961; 4 Kami Tachikui, Konda-cho, Sasayama-shi; 15-min. bus ride or taxi ride from Aino Station, JR Fukuchiyama Line; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; ¥1,000; www.mcart.jp.