Mr. Shoji Hamada is a potter, who promoted the ‘Mingei’ Folk Art Movement.
“In Kyoto I found the way, in England I started, in Okinawa I learned, in Mashiko I grew mature.” ---he left this message.
1955 He was designated the first ‘The Important Intangible Cultural Heritage” (Living National Treasure).
1968 The Order of Culture was given to him. |
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He was best known for his unique ‘Jomon zogan’ style of pottery,
1946 He began his apprenticeship with Mr. Shoji Hamada.
1992 He was awarded by Japan Folk Crafts Museum.
1996 He was designated the ‘The Important Intangible Cultural Heritage”
(Living National Treasure).
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History of the Mashiko Pottery is said to have started in the late Edo period. A potter, whose name was Keizaburo Otsuka, built a kiln in Mashiko after learning pottery in Kasama then.
Since then, Mashiko began producing pottery necessary for daily life in Japan, such as bowls, pots for water and teapots. Mashiko became one of the leading pottery regions in Japan due to its excellent clay and relatively close location to the big Tokyo market.
In 1924, Mr. Shoji Hamada came to settle in Mashiko. He promoted the ‘Mingei’ Folk Crafts Movement with Mr. Soetsu Yanagi, who recognized ‘Yo no Bi’ or ‘beauty in Everyday Crafts’ strongly while influencing the other craftsmen living in Mashiko. Gradually people began to see pottery as ‘works of art’ as well as tools.
Today, there are about 380 potteries and 50 pottery shops.
Many potters, from freshmen to experts, set up their own kilns and create pottery in their own way.
Pottery Fairs have been held in spring and fall.
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