Shinsaku Hamada (濱田晋作), Japanese, (1929-2023)

A Persimmon Glazed Akae Dish (柿釉赤絵皿)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

A striking large ceramic dish by Shinsaku Hamada, a distinguished Japanese potter associated with the Mingei (folk craft) movement and the celebrated pottery tradition of Mashiko. Measuring 35 cm in diameter, this substantial work demonstrates Hamada's confident approach to form, colour and decoration, combining traditional Japanese glazing techniques with a bold, modern composition.

The dish features a vibrant persimmon red glaze around its broad rim, punctuated by small green dots. Its interior is divided into contrasting areas of warm reddish brown glaze and exposed cream coloured clay, creating a dynamic geometric arrangement. Expressive red brushstrokes, diagonal lines and freely applied green accents animate the surface, giving the composition a lively sense of movement.

The decoration exemplifies the akae tradition of red painted ceramics, interpreted through Hamada's distinctive artistic vocabulary. Rather than relying on conventional pictorial motifs, the artist employs simplified shapes, spontaneous brushwork and contrasting colours to create a composition that is both playful and carefully balanced. The combination of earthy glazes and vivid decorative elements reflects the Mingei appreciation of natural materials, craftsmanship and functional beauty.

The dish is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako, together with the artist's biographical leaflet.

Dimensions

6.3cm(h) x 35cm(w)

Footnote

Shinsaku Hamada, the second-generation head of the Hamada Kiln, dedicated his life to continuing the legacy of his father, Shoji Hamada, a key figure in the Mingei movement. Educated in ceramics at Waseda University, Shinsaku combined traditional Mashiko ware with modern innovation. His work maintained the rustic charm of folk crafts while experimenting with form and design. He received numerous awards for his contributions, including the Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Merit Award. Hamada also served as director of the Mashiko Reference Collection, where he helped preserve and celebrate the heritage of Mashiko ceramics.