The artists

Two masters of the Mashiko tradition

The collection draws on the work of a teacher and his pupil — both designated Living National Treasures, both central to the story of modern Japanese studio pottery.

Hamada Shoji

1894–1978

Living National Treasure, Mashiko

One of the defining figures of twentieth-century studio pottery, and a central force in the Mingei movement and the rise of Mashiko as a centre of ceramic art.

Read Artist Story View Works (56)

Hamada Shoji — Dish, grasses. A Large Stoneware Square Dish with Grasses Design, Japanese stoneware, Showa period, 20th century.

Hamada Shoji — Dish, wax resist. A Large Stoneware Square Dish with Iron Rust Glaze over Wax Resist, Japanese stoneware, Showa period, 20th century.

Hamada Shoji — Dish, sugar cane. A Stoneware Rectangular Dish with Sugar Cane Motif, Japanese stoneware, Showa period, 20th century.

Shimaoka Tatsuzo

1917–2007

Living National Treasure, Jōmon-zōgan

A great successor to the Mashiko tradition and a student of Hamada, celebrated for his mastery of rope-impressed inlay — Jōmon-zōgan.

Read Artist Story View Works (13)

Shimaoka Tatsuzo — Vase. A Stoneware Vase, Japanese stoneware, Showa period, 20th century.

Shimaoka Tatsuzo — Chawan / Tea Bowl. A Stoneware chawan [tea bowl], Japanese stoneware, Showa period, 20th century.

Shimaoka Tatsuzo — Sakazuki / Sake Cup. A Stoneware sakazuki [sake cup], Japanese stoneware, Showa period, 20th century.