Tatsuzo shimaoka biography of martin

Shimaoka Tatsuzo was a Japanese master potter who was officially designated an Living National Treasure for his innovations in ceramic techniques in He lived and worked in the pottery village of Mashiko where his kiln was next door to that of Hamada. In later life he travelled widely in foreign countries visiting Britain on a number of occasions.

Born in Tokyo, Shimaoka was the son of a braid and cord maker. He was a pupil of the Mingei master Hamada Shoji, and a close associate of Yanagi Soetsu, both of whom introduced him to the techniques and traditions of Japanese pottery. The onset of the Second World War interrupted his practice as a craftsman. Only after returning to his work in did his ceramics tackle more complex art historical techniques.

In the summer of he

Namely, Shimaoka was deeply influenced by the Jomon period of Japanese history, known for its distinctive pottery with intricate patterns and designs. After having studied with an archaeologist on Jomon artefacts, he subsequently incorporated Jomon-esque motifs into his work, but adapted it to his own processes by incorporating the use of cords and braids to replicate the decorative surfaces of Jomon ceramics.

He utilized different types of wood ash glaze bring out the rope patterns. In , built his own Nobori-Gama wood-fired climbing kiln in Mashiko to hone these techniques. Shimaoka was also influenced by Western developments in Modern art aesthetics. Shimaoka was designated the title of Living National Treasure in for his innovation within Mingei and the Mashiko pottery scene.

Jar with white slip and grass carvings. Hakeme jar with iron bamboo leaf impression , Site by Artlogic.