Hayashi Mokuu, whose real name was Hayashi Yoshikazu was born in Kyoto in 1901, and passed away in 1999. He studied pottery under his father, who worked at one of the large Kyo Yaki kilns. At the age of 20, he took a position with the Imperial Household Kiln, to acquire skills with porcelain. After this, he studied with famous Kyoto craftsman Shimizu, where he began creating bonsai pottery.
Mokuu was close friends with Heian Tofukuji, and they often created bonsai together, and also traded secrets and critiques of each other’s pottery works. Some Mokuu even use Tofukuji’s glazes.
Mokuu’s work is pretty varied, from charming small painted pieces, to odd figurines, to simple unglazed Nanban.
Now, on to the pots!