26193 Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji Salt-glazed indigo-patterned comb-patterned tea bowl (Shinsaku Shiki)

Height 10.5cm
Diameter 12.3cm

He studied the fundamentals of pottery under Hazan Itaya, a leading figure in modern Japanese pottery, and devoted himself to glaze research alongside Kanjiro Kawai, a master of folk art. This work is by Shoji Hamada, a Living National Treasure who elevated Mashiko ware, famous for its folk art, to the pinnacle of artistic merit and is a world-renowned potter who continues to have collectors around the world. This piece embodies the ultimate folk art beauty that Shoji Hamada aimed for, such as its comfortable usability, which can be said to be the true essence of folk art pottery, which always pursues the "beauty of utility." It is a simple yet truly profound masterpiece of artistry. The indigo glaze beautifully develops when fired in a salt-glazed kiln.