Masahiro Mori: A Legacy of Functional Beauty in Ceramic Design

Masahiro Mori (森 正洋, Mori Masahiro, November 14, 1927 – November 12, 2005) is a towering figure in ceramic design. He is known for his dedication to creating everyday objects that marry functionality with aesthetic appeal. His profound impact on post-war Japanese design and his enduring legacy make him a pivotal figure in the applied and decorative arts.

Early Life and Education

Born in Shiota-cho Fujitsu-gun, Saga Prefecture, Mori’s early exposure to the traditional crafts of his region laid the foundation for his future career. In 1941, he began his formal education at the Saga Prefectural Arita Institute of Technology, a key centre for ceramic arts in Japan. This was followed by an apprenticeship under potter Haizan Matsumoto from 1946 to 1947, where Mori honed his skills in traditional ceramic techniques.

Academic Pursuits and Initial Career

Mori furthered his education at the Department of Craft and Design at Tama College of Art and Design, graduating in 1952. His early professional experiences included a stint at the Ministry of Commerce’s craft guidance office and the editorial department of Gakken Co., Ltd. These roles gave him a broader perspective on design and its applications in everyday life.

Breakthrough at Hakusan Porcelain

In 1956, Mori joined Hakusan Porcelain in Nagasaki, where his design philosophy began crystallising. Mori believed, “The pleasure in design comes from always thinking about and creating utsuwa (tableware) for daily life, which we can share with as many people as possible.” This philosophy was perfectly embodied in his iconic “G-type Soy Sauce Bottle,” designed in 1958. The bottle won the first Good Design Award in 1960 and remains in production. His designs were celebrated for simplicity, functionality, and elegance, which have become hallmarks of Japanese design.

International Influence and Recognition

Mori’s influence extended beyond Japan. 1961 he travelled to Europe and the United States, meeting renowned designers like Isamu Noguchi and Kaj Franck. These encounters further enriched his design vocabulary and reinforced his commitment to functional beauty. His work has been exhibited globally, including at the Deutsches Porzellan Museum in Germany and the National Museum of Art in Tokyo, cementing his international reputation.

Teaching and Mentorship

His dedication to education matched Mori’s commitment to design. He served as a professor at Kyushu Sangyo University and Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, where he nurtured the next generation of designers. His teaching emphasized the importance of creating designs that enhance daily life, a principle he practised throughout his career.

Design Philosophy and Legacy

Mori’s design philosophy was deeply rooted in the concept of “utsuwa” – creating objects integral to daily life and accessible to everyone. This approach is evident in his extensive portfolio, which includes over 110 Good Design Awards. His ability to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern functionality has left an indelible mark on ceramic design.

Notable Works

• G-type Soy Sauce Bottle (1958): This design is celebrated for its ergonomic form and practicality. It remains a symbol of Mori’s philosophy of creating everyday objects that are both beautiful and functional.
• Royal White Custom Set (1979): A porcelain condiment set that exemplifies Mori’s skill in creating cohesive and aesthetically pleasing tableware.

Conclusion

Masahiro Mori’s work continues to inspire designers around the world. His dedication to creating beautiful, functional objects that enhance daily life is a testament to his enduring legacy in the applied and decorative arts. His designs reflect post-war Japan’s cultural and historical context and resonate with contemporary sensibilities, making his work timeless.

Sources

Geisinger, B. (2010). Potters of Japan: Another Look at the Timeless Art of Nine Families. United States: WORDSWORTH Publishing Company.

Masahiro Mori (designer). (2023, November 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masahiro_Mori_(designer)

Mori, M. (1927 – 2005). In Cibi. Masahiro Mori Collection. Retrieved from https://cibi.com.au/collections/masahiro-mori

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