Japanese, born in 1951

Miwa Kyusetsu is an inherited artist name within one of Japan’s best-known Hagi ware lineages. The current bearer is Miwa Kyusetsu XIII, a ceramic artist recognized for pushing Hagi traditions into bold, sculptural territory.

Kyusetsu XIII was born in Japan, in 1951, the third son of Miwa Kyusetsu XI (Miwa Jusetsu). He studied in the United States at the San Francisco Art Institute (commonly dated 1975–1981) before returning to Japan and beginning work at the family kiln, Fusoan Miwagama. In May 2019, he formally assumed the title Miwa Kyusetsu XIII, following his brother’s retirement.

While rooted in Hagi stoneware and the Miwa family’s characteristic white Hagi glaze ("Kyusetsu white"), his work is often defined by dramatic contrasts: unglazed clay surfaces — sometimes described as being cut away with a Japanese sword — set against thick, crawling glaze that beads and breaks to reveal the red clay beneath (occasionally firing dark).

The broader Miwa kiln history is frequently traced to the 17th century (the kiln’s
establishment is cited as 1663, with tea ceramics from 1666), and the family has long been intertwined with tea culture. Within that lineage, earlier masters Miwa Kyuwa (Kyusetsu X) and Miwa Jusetsu (Kyusetsu XI) were designated Living National Treasures for Hagi ware (commonly cited as 1970 and 1983, respectively).

Kyusetsu XIII has received major peer recognition, including the Japan Ceramic Society Award (2007) and a Gold Award (2021). His works are held in museum collections, including Japan’s National Crafts Museum, and other public institutions cited by galleries and museum records.