Background
Ceramist. He originated the Banko-yald pottery. Born in a wealthy family in Kuwana, Ise Province (Mie Prefecture). He was called commonly Gozaemon. Liked tea ceremony from childhood. In the Gembun Era (1736-40), he built a pottery in the suburbs of Kuwana and spent all his fortune on it. His products were called Banko-yaki. (Similar pottery made in Edo was called Edo-Banko). Especially famous were his akae (red paint) pottery. He also made copies of old pottery of various kinds. His designs were generally of a Namban (Western) taste and similar to printed cotton designs.