Raku Kichizaemon V Sonyu

Sonyu V, 1664-1716, was born as a son of Kariganeya Sanuemon, the head of a great artistic family, and was later adopted by Ichinyu to carry on the Raku name and works. (newworldencyclopedia.org)

Born as a son of Kariganeya Sanuemon and later adopted by Ichinyu. He succeeded as the 5th generation in 1691. In 1708 he took the tonsure, assuming the retiring name of Sonyu. His real father, Kariganeya Sanuemon was the youngest brother of Ogata Soken, whose sons, Ogata Korin and Kenzan, were his cousins. Korin and Kenzan formed a unique, highly decorative style of paintings and ceramics called the "Rinpa" school during the Genroku period, being one of the most distinguished styles in the history of Japanese art. Nonetheless, Sonyu pursued his creative inspiration more in non - decorative tea bowls of Chojiro in his effort of establishing his own style. His dry, matte black glaze, commonly known as kase glaze, is a proof of Sonyu's inclination for the style of Chojiro. The heavy, massive presence, as if it were a rusted iron mass, speaks clearly of the Sonyu's aesthetic approach. (www.potterycentre.com)