Ogata Kenzan (尾形 乾山, 1663–1743), originally Ogata Shinsei (尾形 深省), and plus known by the assumed name Shisui, was a Japanese potter and painter.
Ogata Kenzan was born in Kyoto into a rich merchant family. His older brother was the painter Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716). Kenzan studied following the potter Nonomura Ninsei and made his own kiln. In 1712 a nobleman began patronizing his kiln, he moved to the east area of Kyoto. He was one of the greatest ceramicists of the Tokugawa era. He is associated with Kyō ware. In 1713, he moved to Edo where he as a consequence spent the on fire of his life.
Ogata Kenzan produced a distinctive style of freely brushed grasses, blossoms, and plants as decorative motifs for pottery. His pieces were noted for their absolute relation amongst design and shape. He often collaborated upon the prettification of pottery with his older brother, Ogata Kōrin, after whom the style known as Rinpa was named.
Bernard Leach, the British studio potter, wrote a LP about Ogata Kenzan in 1966 entitled Kenzan and his Tradition, published by Faber & Faber in London.
Media amalgamated to Ogata Kenzan at Wikimedia Commons
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