Tomoo Hamada (濱田友緒), Japanese (b. 1967)

A Persimmon-Glazed Akae Flat Flask (柿釉赤絵扁壷) 

Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

A striking persimmon-glazed flat flask by Tomoo Hamada, a prominent ceramic artist and direct descendant of Shōji Hamada, one of the founders of Japan’s Mingei movement. This unique piece features a rich, glossy persimmon glaze (kaki-yū) overlaid with bold red and green enamel lines in a rhythmic diagonal pattern, creating a dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity.

The unusually flat, rounded form is both sculptural and functional, with a narrow mouth and wide shoulders that emphasize the flow of the decoration. The base is unglazed and shows the natural clay texture, grounding the work in Mashiko’s earthy ceramic tradition. Accompanied by a signed wooden tomobako and artist’s leaflet.

Dimensions

19.5cm(h) x 23cm(w) x 9.7cm(d)

Footnote

Born in 1967, Tomoo Hamada is the grandson of Living National Treasure Shoji Hamada and the third-generation successor to the famous Hamada kiln in Mashiko. Carrying forward the Mingei spirit, he combines tradition with contemporary sensitivity. His works, often made using natural glazes and traditional techniques, are celebrated internationally. Tomoo continues to exhibit widely and contributes actively to preserving and revitalizing Mashiko’s pottery heritage.