26286 Living National Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka Inlaid Teacup ①

Height: 8.6cm
Diameter: 9.2cm

Born in Tokyo in 1919, the eldest son of kumihimo artisan Yonekichi Shimaoka. After graduating from the ceramics department of Tokyo Institute of Technology, he served in the military and was demobilized, then at the age of 27 became an apprentice to Shoji Hamada in Mashiko.
Tatsuzo Shimaoka, after establishing his independence at age 35 until his passing at age 88 in 2007, created numerous works using his unique "Jomon Inlay" technique within the folk craft (mingei) genre.
It can be imagined that the idea for Tatsuzo's Jomon technique originated from his upbringing, as he initially used kumihimo ropes made by his father, Yonekichi, in its application.
In 1996, Tatsuzo Shimaoka was recognized as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties).

A leading Japanese potter who revered Shoji Hamada as his lifelong master and established the Jomon Inlay technique, which applied the kumihimo ropes made by his father.
He actively held solo exhibitions and gave lectures overseas, spreading folk pottery to the world.