Inoue Manji, born in Arita, Saga Prefecture in 1929, was named a Japanese National Living Treasure in 1995. He studied under the master potters, Sakaida Kakiemon XII and Okugawa Chūemon. He is known for his simple and graceful hakuji (white porcelain) designs. Inoue's pieces are typically either pure white or feature incised botanical motifs in muted colors.