Tomimoto Kenkichi was born in Ando Village, Nara Prefecture, Japan in 1886. He graduated from the Design Department of the Tokyo Fine Arts School, during his studies there he visited England. On his return to Japan he met the potter Bernard Leach, this meeting was to be a very important one and the turning point of his career and life. Inspired by pottery he returned to Ando to set up his own kiln and began producing ceramic works. Tomimoto's early work included Raku and Stoneware. In 1927 he built a kiln in Soshigaya, Tokyo. With this kiln he made porcelain, blue and white and later enamelled wares. He had exhibitions at the Kokugaki, Tie-ten and Bun-ten.
In 1951 he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit and in 1955 was made a Living National Treasure for his work in Enameled Porcelain.

Ashtray, 1959
Porcelain, rectangular section, painted in overglazed blue, red and green with geometric motifs, signed in under-glaze blue on the base. This ashtray was possibly made under the direction of Tomimoto by Tomisen. Tominsen produced a Tomimoto-designed range of ceramics for everyday use.
A similar Ash Tray was sold by Bonhams in their 20th Century Japanese Ceramics and Works of Art auction November 2002, lot 38.Size: Length 51/4in (13.3cm)
Price: £950
Ref: TM201
Two such Ashtrays were exhibited in a retrospective exhibition of Tomimoto Kenkichi's work held in 1959. The images are of the cover of the accompanying catalogue and of the two ashtrays exhibited. Exhibits 139.