Buzan Fukuyama, born in 1944, is a craftsman in Kutani Ware, a traditional handicraft in Ishikawa Pref. He was designated as a Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1990, and designated as an Intangible Cultural Property by the prefecture.
Kutani Ware was made in the Kaga domain (present-day Ishikawa Pref.) in the early Edo period (the 17th C); however, production suddenly ceased. It was revived in the late Edo period (the 19th C) and has thrived into the world famous porcelain. Its gorgeous designs are popular among foreigners.
Mt. Fukuyama specializes in “Akae (red drawing).” Though he has never apprenticed to anyone and learned everything for himself from how to dissolve colors to how to overgraze, his delicate touches are outstanding. He always tries to caution himself to avoid compromise, which seems to have resulted in his solid skills and vivid designs.