Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941)
宮永東山

Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture.
He studied in German and French schools in Tokyo before entering the prestigious Imperial University of Art (now called Tokyo University of Art).
While a government employee, he represented Japan at Arts Expositions, and studied art in Europe before returning to Japan in 1902 to devote himself to the production of ceramics. He founded his own kiln in 1910 and worked to make Kyo-yaki wares (ceramics made in Kyoto) of high quality.
He was direct teacher or mentor to a number of prominent artists including Kitaoji Rosanjin and Arakawa Toyozo.
His kiln is now in the third generation, run by his grandson.