In making certain Japanese pots available to a western audience I have always tried to find the best pieces but at competitive prices. Hamada Shoji of course was an iconic figure within studio pottery in the 20th century and no collection of pots can be truly representitive of that era without an example by him.

Shoji Hamada was, without doubt, the most influential studio potter of the twentieth century. Having spent three years in St Ives with Bernard Leach he returned to Japan in 1923 and eventually situated his pottery in Mashiko, a small town with a pottery making tradition about 2 hours by car from Tokyo.

Shoji Hamada was born in Misonokuchi, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1894. Throughout a lifetime dedicated to making pottery he achieved international recognition and his works have been collected by most of the world’s greatest museums. Hamada was a charismatic figure and, as a potter, unique in that his immense influence was felt not only in his native Japan, particularly in Mashiko, but also in the West. In the United Kingdom and the USA his style and philosophy became legendary and he was revered as the archetypal ’Oriental’ potter. In 1955 he was designated as an important cultural property or, as it is more commonly known ‘Living National Treasure for his involvement and promotion of 'folk art' pottery and the Mingei philosophy.

A consummate potter – a gifted thrower with a relaxed ‘nonchalant’ style, Hamada’s repertoire was extraordinary. His brushwork contains immense energy and unfettered freedom, his patterns, although controlled and often visually complex, seem to have been born in a moment of creative energy. He has been called one of the greatest abstract expressionists of the Twentieth Century.

Shimaoka Tatsuzo was also designated a National Living Treasure. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions. He was a man with an obvious sense of humour and given to spontaneous acts of generosity. His output was extraordinary and, like Hamada, maintained a very high level of quality throughout a very long and illustrious career. Impressed rope decoration in various forms was his signature feature indeed, it was for this decorative technique, a marriage of early jomon style and Korean white slip, he was awared the National Treasure status. Like Hamada, his master, Shimaoka's works are to be found in the largest, most prestigious museums across the world.

Hamada Shinsaku is now working alongside his son Hamada Tomoo in Mashiko. Shinsaku performed the role of right hand man to his father for many years accompanying him on overseas tours particularly in the USA. He is now very well thought of in Japan and regularly exhibits at the best of department store galleries. His work embodies many of the same concerns of his father but has a more structured, rythmic feel rather than the unfettered expression of Shoji.

For anyone in the UK I will endeavour to arrange delivery or collection to avoid the risks of posting. For overseas buyers we can only send via a shipper who can offer insurance. The British Post Office will not insure ceramic items. I have had a working relationship with Gloucester Freight for many years and thay provide an excellent service. Please think in terms of an average cost of £100 for the shipping although very small items may fall below that figure. Of course, the shipping will be carried out at cost and you will only pay the actual price incurred. Insurance comes with a minimum cost of £25.00 but rarely goes above that figure.

The following images are a selection of pieces that we are offering at the moment. New ones will appear from time to time and further images can be sent if required. I always endeavour to provide information about each piece which is as accurate as I can make it. Dates are always an estimate based on research and experience. Any damage or restoration will be honestly and openly noted. Please click on the thumbnail for a full image with a description.

I take great trouble to obtain good quality pieces. The very large and grand pieces by Hamada are out of my reach but those pieces I do find I try to ensure are excellent examples of their kind. I will always strive to provide accurate and honest descriptions along with candid opinion.

This page was last updated on 1st August 2009.