23831 Living National Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka (Salt-glazed sake cup) SHIMAOKA Tatsuzo

Height 6.4cm Diameter 7.2cm

Born in Tokyo in 1919 as the eldest son of braid artist Shimaoka Yonekichi, Tatsuzo graduated from the ceramics department of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, enlisted in the military, was demobilized, and at the age of 27 became a student of Hamada Shoji in Mashiko. After going independent at the age of 35, Shimaoka Tatsuzo was an artist who produced numerous works using the unique technique of "Jomon inlay" in the field of folk art until his death in 2007 at the age of 88. When using Jomon techniques, he initially used braids made by his father Yonekichi, so it can be imagined that the ideas were born from the environment in which Tatsuzo was born.

1996: Tatsuzo Shimaoka was designated as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).

He looked up to Shoji Hamada as his lifelong mentor and is one of Japan's leading ceramic artists, having established the Jomon inlay technique by applying the braided cords made by his father.

He actively holds solo exhibitions and gives lectures overseas, spreading folk craft pottery around the world.

This is a wonderful piece with a brilliant blue salt glaze.