A Stunning Stoneware Vase by Japanese Living National Treasure, Tatsuzo Shimaoka.

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You are buying a very special stoneware vase made by a Japanese Living National Treasure!
This is a geometric ceramic … Read more You are buying a very special stoneware vase made by a Japanese Living National Treasure!
This is a geometric ceramic vase by Tatsuzo Shimaoka ( 1919-2007 ). The stoneware construction is made using a checker board like pattern of clay called nerikomi ( or mixed clay ). A diagonal layer of blue glaze lines float over the surface of the checkerboard pattern creating movement and fresh color. All four glazed sides are slightly different from each other, with with one side containing significantly thicker layering of the blue glaze.

As a Mingei, or Japanese folk art potter, Shimaoka apprenticed under Shoji Hamada, one of the founders of the Mingei or folk art movement in Japan, and himself A "Japanese Living National Treasure". In 1953 Tatsuzo started his own kiln and compound in Mashiko, Japan. In 1966, Shimaoka earned the honor to become the second Living Natural Treasure of Mashiko Japan. A “Living National Treasure” is a Japanese term for those who have mastered their art or craft, in this case ceramics, and recipients are required to help preserve Japanese cultural heritage by teaching others their craft. To be given the designation of a “Living National Treasure” by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is a great honor in Japanese culture, and seen as the pinnacle of one’s career.


Today, Shimaoka's work is held in the highest esteem in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Victoria + Albert Museum in London, and many others. This vase is an excellent example of "Mingei Folk Art pottery" in the Mashiko region.. See less