Chōjirō

Tanaka Chōjirō (長次郎) (1516-?1592) is distinguished as the first generation in the Raku family line of potters.

According to historical documents he was the son of one Ameya, who is said to have emigrated to Japan from Korea (or possibly Ming China, as asserted on the RAKU WARE website (link below) of the still active line of potters he founded.

He produced ridge tiles for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Jurakudai palace in 1574.

[1] The bowls attracted attention for their beauty and refinement of either entirely red or black glazed soft pottery[citation needed], simple and without decoration, meant to reflect wabi ideals.

Chōjirō's adopted son, Jōkei, followed in his father's footsteps, and was allowed to append the term raku to his name in recognition of his talents.