1918 (Taishō 7) – 1979 (Shōwa 54)
A ceramic artist of the Shōwa era.
Born on July 4, 1918 (Taishō 7). Eldest son of Yagi Issō. Native of Kyoto.
Graduated from Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts. Studied under Numata Kazumasa.
In 1947 (Shōwa 22), he formed the “Young Ceramic Artists Group,” and the following year, co-founded the avant-garde ceramic group “Sōdeisha.”
He presented the object work Mr. Samsa’s Walk, establishing a new genre in contemporary ceramics.
In 1971 (Shōwa 46), he became a professor at Kyoto City University of Arts.
In 1950 (Shōwa 25), he participated in the Exhibition of Modern Japanese Ceramics at the Cernuschi Museum in Paris.
In 1951 (Shōwa 26), he exhibited at the Faenza International Museum of Ceramics in Italy.
In 1959 (Shōwa 34), he exhibited at the 2nd International Ceramic Exhibition (Ostend).
In 1962 (Shōwa 37), he exhibited at the 3rd International Ceramic Exhibition (Prague), receiving the Grand Prix at both events.
In 1971 (Shōwa 46), he was appointed professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Kyoto City University of Arts, and in the same year, he designed the award medals for the 11th Winter Olympic Games.
In 1973 (Shōwa 48), he led the Silk Road Expedition Team from Kyoto City University of Arts, traveling to Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
In 1966 (Shōwa 41), he held a solo exhibition in Los Angeles.
In 1974 (Shōwa 49), he held a solo exhibition at Gallery Shiteiza (Kyoto).
In 1978 (Shōwa 53), he held a solo exhibition at Isetan (Tokyo).
He passed away on February 28, 1979 (Shōwa 54) at the age of 60.