Potters:Tatsuzō Shimaoka
Tatsuzō Shimaoka (島岡 達三, 1919–2007) was a Japanese potter celebrated for his innovative integration of traditional techniques into contemporary Mingei-style pottery. He was named a Living National Treasure in 1996 for his contributions to Japanese ceramics.
Early Life and Training
[edit]Shimaoka was born in Tokyo and studied ceramics at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. During World War II, he served in the military, but after the war he apprenticed under Shōji Hamada in Mashiko, where he mastered folk pottery techniques.
Signature Technique: Jōmon Zōgan
[edit]Shimaoka developed a unique decorative method called Jōmon zōgan (rope-impressed inlay). This involved pressing rope patterns into the clay surface and filling them with white slip or colored materials before glazing. The style draws inspiration from the ancient Jōmon period pottery of Japan.
Achievements
[edit]- Taught at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music.
- Exhibited internationally, including in the United States and Europe.
- Played a major role in promoting Mashiko ware abroad.
Legacy
[edit]Shimaoka’s works are held in major museum collections worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
