(1932-1983)
KONDŌ YUTAKA studied at Kyoto City University of Arts with two Living National Treasures: his father Kondō Yūzō (1902-1985), designated for sometsuke ware (cobalt blue-glazed porcelain) and Tomimoto Kenkichi (1886-1963), who revolutionized Japanese ceramics as both artist and influential teacher. After graduating in 1955 and until his untimely death in 1983, Kondō also taught ceramic courses at the university. He drew inspiration from medieval Chinese, Korean, and Islamic ceramic aesthetics, which he studied first-hand during several trips abroad. Of these various techniques, the style of punch’ong ware from 15th–16th century Korea, characterized by a white liquid slip-inlay and a black glazed surface, became Kondō’s signature aesthetic.