Tatsuzo Shimaoka (島岡達三), Japanese (1919-2007)

A First Firing Teacup (初窯湯呑)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

A finely crafted yunomi (teacup) by Tatsuzo Shimaoka, the renowned Mashiko potter and Living National Treasure celebrated for his innovative jomon zogan (rope-impressed inlay) technique. This work comes from an early firing (hatsugama), marking it as a significant piece within the artist’s body of work.

The cylindrical form is decorated with a repeating herringbone inlay pattern, over which a circular reserve depicts a hand-painted floral motif in deep iron red and black slip. The natural ash glaze softens the surface, enhancing the rustic yet refined Mashiko aesthetic. The balance of texture, glaze, and design exemplifies Shimaoka’s synthesis of folk craft tradition with modern ceramic expression.

The work is accompanied by its original signed tomobako (wooden storage box), inscribed and sealed by the artist, along with a printed insert detailing his biography.

Dimensions

9.7cm(h) x 8.8cm(w)

Footnote

Tatsuzo Shimaoka, born in Tokyo in 1919, was an acclaimed Japanese potter who became a Living National Treasure in 1996. He was known for his development of Jomon Zogan—an inlay technique combining traditional Japanese rope patterns with slip inlay inspired by Korean pottery. Shimaoka studied under the legendary Shoji Hamada, known as the "Reviver of Mashiko Ware," and later established himself as an independent potter. His work carries forward the folk art ethos, blending old traditions with innovation, making significant contributions to the global appreciation of Mashiko ware.