Shimizu Uichi (清水卯一)
Uichi SHIMIZU (March 5, 1926 - February 18, 2004) was a ceramic artist. Was born in Gojo, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Shimizu is designated as a Living National Treasure.
In 1940, dropping out of Ritsumeikan Commercial High School (subsequently known as Ritsumeikan High School under the new system), Shimizu became Munemaro ISHIGURO's pupil to study Chinese ceramic art. After working at the National Kyoto ceramic pilot plant as a trainee, Shimizu became an assistant in Ceramics Department at the Kyoto Municipal Technical Research Institute. Thereafter, Shimizu worked on ceramics mainly in the studio at his residence on a full-time basis. Shimizu became a ceramic artist of the world-wide recognition. In 1970, Shimizu moved his studio to the base of Mt. Horai in Kosei, Shiga Prefecture.
On April 13, 1985, Shimizu was designated as the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for his work on 'Tetsuyutoki.'
Highlights of prizes
Accepted to the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (1951 the 7th Nitten with 柚子肌釉大皿).
The Asahi Shimbun Company Award (received at the Modern Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition for 4 consecutive years from 1953 to 1956)
最優秀作家賞(Japanese Ceramics Society, 1955)
The Takamatsunomiya Award (1960 the 7th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for 柚子肌釉大皿)
The Grand Prize at the Exposition International de Bruxelles (1958 for 'Kakiyu fukabachi' 柿釉深鉢)
The First Prize, the Japanese Ceramics Society (1977)