Shoji Hamada (濱田庄司), Japanese, 1894-1978

A Two-Tone Shoulder-Strapped Flower Vase (掛分肩紐花瓶)

Taisho Era (1912-1926) or Showa Era (1926-1989) 

About the work

A robust, hand-thrown stoneware flower vase by Shoji Hamada, a leading figure in the Mingei (folk craft) movement and designated Living National Treasure. This piece features the classic kakewake (glaze separation) technique, with rich earth-toned ash glaze subtly transitioning from a warm brown at the shoulder to a cooler gray toward the neck. The form is enhanced by subtle strap motifs, adding visual structure and balance to the natural glaze flow.

The glaze’s organic layering and gentle gradation exemplify Hamada’s mastery in harmonizing rustic texture with quiet elegance. This vase is accompanied by its tomobako (signed wooden box), inscribed and authenticated by Tomoo Hamada (濱田友緒), the artist’s grandson and successor at the Hamada kiln.

Dimensions

21.3cm(h) x 19cm(w)

Footnote

Shoji Hamada was a leading figure in the Mingei folk craft movement, which sought to preserve traditional craft techniques and elevate their status as high art. Born in 1894, Hamada studied under Itaya Hazan at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and learned kiln techniques at the Kyoto Ceramic Research Institute. He was a lifelong friend of Kanjiro Kawai and collaborated with Bernard Leach, with whom he worked in both Japan and England. Hamada's dedication to ceramics earned him the designation of Living National Treasure in 1955, and he received the Order of Culture in 1968, cementing his legacy as one of Japan's most revered ceramists.