Mitsui, Eiichi

Third-generation master ceramicist (also known as Tamekichi III), specializing in Kutani ware (painted pottery). Born at Komatau; progressive deafness began at age 2. After graduating the Tokyo school for the deaf, learned ceramics from a famous master artist. His works have been presented to the Japanese royal family and to ambassadors from the U.S., and have been exhibited in Japan and the U.S; Gallaudet University has a permanent collection of some of his works, gifted to the University. Visiting artist-in-residence at Gallaudet, 1997. His wife Nariko is also deaf, and runs the business side of his ceramics operation; most of the artists and other staff are also deaf.