{"title":"特集 \"人間国宝 | Living National Treasures\"","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bronze-serving-vessel-by-living-national-treasure","title":"Bronze Serving Vessel by Living National Treasure","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Gothic';\"\u003eA Fabulous Bronze Serving Vessel with Rams-head handle lined with silver by Living National Treasure Katori Masahiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hitsuji-mimi Hissen.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt is 19.5 x 14 x 7.5 cm (8 x 5-1\/2 x 3 inches) and in overall excellent condition, signed on the base Masahiko.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Gothic';\"\u003eKatori Masahiko (1899-1988) was born into the family of prominent Bronze Artist Katori Hozuma in Chiba. He was internationally awarded at the Paris Exposition in 1925, the year he graduated The Tokyo University of Fine Arts (a student of Tsuda Shinobu). Heavily involved with the Teiten\/Nitten National Art Exhibition, following the destruction of the Second World War, he would spend years working to save Japanese Buddhist Treasures, and making Bells for Temples an\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Gothic';\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Katori Masahiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49219809902839,"sku":"K479","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2024-09-1205.00.00copy2.jpg?v=1731127832"},{"product_id":"peach-shaped-kogo-ー音丸耕堂-彫漆盒","title":"Peach Shaped Kogo ー音丸耕堂 \"彫漆盒\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Century',serif;\"\u003eA fabulous carved-lacquer incense box in the shape of a peach by Living National Treasure Otomaru Kodo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It measures 7.5 cm x 7 cm x 4.3 cm (roughly 3 inches long, 2 inches high) and is in excellent condition.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Century',serif;\"\u003eOtomaru Kodo (1898–1987) was a distinguished Japanese lacquer artist renowned for his mastery of \u003ci\u003echoshitsu\u003c\/i\u003e (carved lacquer) techniques. Born in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, he began his apprenticeship under Ishii Keido in 1910 and, from 1914, independently studied the works of Tamakaji Zokoku, a pioneer of Sanuki lacquer art. In 1921, Otomaru co-founded the art group Kofukai with metalcraft artist Osuga Takashi and others, actively participating in exhibitions. His work gained significant recognition in 1932 when he was first accepted into the Imperial Art Exhibition (Teiten), leading to regular displays in subsequent exhibitions. In 1942, his carved-lacquer piece, \"Cosmetic box with moon-flower design,\" received a special award at the 5th New Ministry of Education Art Exhibition; this work is now part of the Takamatsu Art Museum's collection. Otomaru's innovative use of rich colors set his work apart. While traditional lacquerware primarily utilized vermillion, black, yellow, green, and brown, he introduced new pigments to achieve a broader spectrum of hues, enhancing the expressiveness of his designs. In recognition of his contributions to Japanese crafts, Otomaru was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) in 1955, specifically in the carved-lacquer division. That same year, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Japan Kōgei Association, further influencing the development of traditional Japanese crafts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Otomaru Kodo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49307589509367,"sku":"K582","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2024-11-2406.30.49copy2.jpg?v=1735089703"},{"product_id":"neriage-chawan-tea-bowl-ー松井-康成-練上嘯裂文茶盌","title":"Neriage Chawan Tea Bowl ー松井 康成 \"練上嘯裂文茶盌\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"tab-stops: 325.1pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Century',serif;\"\u003eMarbled clay in earthy gray, white and green form a mapscape on the pebble textured surface of this wan-gata Chawan by Living Natilanl Treasure Matsui Kosei enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Neriage shoretsu mon Chawan.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt is 13.5 cm (5-1\/2 inches) diameter 7.5 cm (3 ionches) tall and oin excellent condition.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt comes enclosed in a second outer wooden protective box (niju-bako).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"tab-stops: 325.1pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Century',serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"\u003eThe Japan Times wrote “Kosei Matsui, a designated living national treasure, fused traditional techniques with his own creative expression to craft beautiful ceramics.”\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKosei was born in Nagano in 1927.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eA deeply spiritual individual, he graduated the literature department of the prestigious Meiji University in 1957, then entered the priesthood, finding the life of a Buddhist recluse suited him.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHe was granted the temple Gessoji in Kasama three years later.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThere he established a kiln where he experimented with ancient Chinese and Korean techniques, including Neriage.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIn an effort to further his technique he began studying with (future) Living National Trasure Tamura Koichi, and began to submit works in earnest to public viewing in the late 60s.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHe was first recognized at the Dento Kogei Shinsakuten (National Traditional New Crafts Exhibition) in 1970. Following several more prizes there, he was awarded at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten National Traditional Crafts Exhibition two years later, and again in '73 at the Nihon Togeiten National Ceramics aexhibition.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eShortly after that he was granted the important Japan\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eCeramics Society Award in 1974.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThroughout his career he was highly lauded, recieving among many others the Order of\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eCultural Merrit (1988) as well as the JCS Gold Prize (1990); finally garnering the ttitle Ningen Kokuho in 1993 and the Order of the Rising Sun from his majesty three years before his death in 2003.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHe is held in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN National Museums of Modern Art, both Kyoto andTokyo, Victoria and Albert, Saint Louis Art Museum, Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum and Art Institute of Chicago among many others.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eFor more see Japanese Ceramics in American Collections (Baekeland, Frederick. 1993), Toh: vol.89 (1993), Japanese Studio Crafts: Tradition and the Avant-garde (Rupert Faulkner) or Japanese Ceramics for the Twenty-first Century. (2014).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matsui Kosei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49330675876087,"sku":"MC1000","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2024-09-0802.47.42copy2.jpg?v=1736229867"},{"product_id":"radical-shino-vase-by-suzuki-osamu-kura","title":"Radical Shino Vase ー鈴木 藏 \"志野花器\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Century, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA massive sculptural work by Living National Treasure Suzuki Osamu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled simply Shino Kaki.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHowever, do not let the simplicity of the title fool you, this piece is truly quite an amazing bit of sculpture.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe towering structure is covered in white glaze studded with pinholes and tinged with red.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eCracks and fissures erupt with volcanic fury, splitting the surface.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eA brass insert has been created by the artist to hold water in the center.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt is 25 x 26 cm (roughly 10 inches) square, 33 cm (13 inches) tall, and weighs 11.6 kg (25 pounds)!\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eA vase of similar shape bearing the same title is currently on exhibition at the Suzuki Osamu Exhibition at the Mino Ceramics Museum, in Gifu prefecture, and is published in the catalog figure 25 page 52. A copy of the catalog from the exhibition will be included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Century, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDue to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Century, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSuzuki Osamu was born in Gifu prefecture in 1934, and graduated the Tajimi Technical School ceramics division in 1953. (not to be confused with avant garde potter Suzuki Osamu of Kyoto Sodeisha fame) That same year he was awarded at the 6th Dento Kogeiten Traditional Crafts Exhibition. One of the great researchers, he spent many years excavating old kiln sites in an effort to re-invent Shino ware. In 1962 he was exhibited in Prague. And the next year took a prize at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition. Very much lauded at this time, it culminated in 1969 when he received the JCS Gold award (Japan Ceramic Society), one of the highest honors for a Japanese potter. He would receive the JCS award again in 1982, and by that point be nurturing or inspiring a number of young potters aspiring to the forgotten ways of Shino ware. He was named a Living National Treasure in 1994 for his life-work. Work by him is held in a multitude of public collections throughout the world. For more see “Japanese Studio Crafts, Tradition and the Avant-Garde” (1995) by R. Faulkner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Suzuki Osamu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49652807205111,"sku":"MC638","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-05-0606.50.21.jpg?v=1746519374"},{"product_id":"contemporary-hagi-mizusashi-lnt-ー十一代-三輪-休雪-萩四方水指","title":"Contemporary Hagi Mizusashi, LNT ー十一代 三輪 休雪 \"萩四方水指\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreamy white glaze crawls on the soft porous clay of this classic Mizusashi by Living National Treasure Miwa Kyusetsu XI complete with the original ceramic lid in a separate compartment within the original signed wooden box titled Hagi Shiho Mizusashi. The piece is published in the catalog Kindai Kogei Zeppin Ten from Sogo (catalog included). It is 18 cm (7-1\/4 inches) square, 16 cm (6-1\/4 inches) tall and all is in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiwa Kyusetsu XI (1910-2012) was born the third son of the ninth generation Miwa Kyusetsu (Setsudo) and studied under his father and older brother (Kyusetsu X: Kyuwa).  He also studied under Kawakita Handeishi. He was first exhibited in 1955, and garnered his first acolades at the 4th Natioanl Traditional Craft Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogei Ten) in 1957.  Following the retirement of the 10th generation Kyusetsu, he succeeded the name in 1967. He received the Imperial Order with Purple Ribbon in 1976 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1982. He was acknowledged as a Yamaguchi Prefectural Preserver of Intangible Cultural Properties in 1972 and Designated Living National Treasure in 1983.  He officially retired, passing on the family name and mantle to Miwa Ryusaku, but continued making pottery under the name “Jusetsu”.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Miwa Kyusetsu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49836754043127,"sku":"MC565","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-07-0506.43.32.jpg?v=1751938449"},{"product_id":"sculptural-ceramic-luminous-box-ー三輪-和彦-十三代-休雪-輝環","title":"Sculptural Ceramic “Luminous” Box ー三輪 和彦 (十三代 休雪) \"輝環\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large ceramic box, the rough sand-textured clay covered in pale glaze with a core drilled out of the center lined with gold by Miwa KyusetsuXIII (Kazuhiko) enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled  Kikan (Luminous Circle). It is 31 x 20 x 23 cm (12 x 8 x 9 inches) and is in excellent condition.  It was published in the Mitsukoshi catalog\/poster for a show (included).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiwa Kyūsetsu XIII (Miwa Kazuhiko, b. 1951) is a highly esteemed ceramic artist of Hagi ware, descended from the celebrated Miwa pottery lineage. Born as the third son of the 11th-generation Kyūsetsu, he trained for five years at the San Francisco Art Institute (1975–1981), before returning to lead the family kilna. Noted for his bold, sculptural pieces and creamy white bead-like glazes that reveal the clay beneath, Miwa balances tradition with innovation. His work has been showcased in landmark exhibitions—REI (Yamaguchi, 2000), 100 Years of Modern Ceramics (Gifu, 2002), Resonating Colors and Forms (Ibaraki, 2003)—and has earned the Japan Ceramic Society Prize (2007) and Gold Prize (2021). In 2019, he ascended as the 13th-generation Miwa Kyūsetsu. His ceramics are held in leading collections worldwide, including the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Hagi Uragami Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Miwa Kyusetsu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50066669175031,"sku":"MC1455","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-09-0703.44.02.jpg?v=1757302380"},{"product_id":"setoguro-chawan-by-lnt-ー加藤-孝蔵-瀬戸黒茶碗","title":"Setoguro Chawan by LNT ー加藤 孝蔵 “瀬戸黒茶碗”","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exquisite Seto-Guro Chawan Tea Bowl by Kato Kozo enclosed in the original signed owoden box bearing the same title, held in a fine black lacquered outer box (Nijubako) ordinarily reserved only for the finest of pieces. It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 9 cm (3-1\/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKato Kozo (1935–2023) was a revered Japanese ceramic artist, designated in 2010 as a Living National Treasure for his mastery of the traditional Setoguro (black Seto) ceramic technique. Born in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, he initially aspired to be a painter—achieving the distinction of being the youngest entrant in the Nitten exhibition—but ultimately followed the ceramic path under the mentorship of Kato Kobei and the legendary Arakawa Toyozo. Over decades, Kato developed his own signature style, often referred to as “Kōzō Shino” or “Kōzō kuro” reviving and refining classic Mino‐Momoyama aesthetics such as Shino, Setoguro, and iron-glazed works. He received numerous awards—including top honors at national exhibitions like the Japan Traditional Crafts and Tokai Traditional Crafts Exhibitions—and served in leadership roles with organizations such as the Japan Kōgei Association and Mino Ceramics Association. In addition to his artistic practice, Kato was dedicated to mentorship and preserving ceramic traditions; he founded an atelier called “Fūjuku” to nurture new generations of ceramic artists. Widely exhibited both domestically and abroad, like his mentor Kozo was named a Living National Treasure in 2010, a tribute to a life spent reviving and defending the Mino traditions. Work by him is held in the National Museums of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto, Museum of Modern Ceramic Art in Gifu, the Mizunami Ceramic Museum as well as the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum among others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kato Kozo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50066750996727,"sku":"MC1427","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-08-0802.55.39.jpg?v=1757312717"},{"product_id":"contemporary-bamboo-shaped-shino-vase-by-lnt-ー加藤-孝造-志野-竹花入","title":"Contemporary Bamboo Shaped Shino Vase by LNT ー加藤 孝造 “志野 竹花入”","description":"\u003cp\u003eA crystalline white interpretation of the bamboo form by Living National Treasure Kato Kozo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shino Take Hana-ire.  It is roughly 10 cm (4 inches) diameter, 22.5 cm (9 inches) tall and in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKato Kozo was born in 1935, and studied under the Mino Legend and Designated Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo. He has been widely exhibited both domestically and abroad and like his mentor Kozo was named a Living National Treasure in 2010, a tribute to a life spent reviving and defending the Mino traditions. Work by him is held in the National Museums of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto as well as the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum among others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kato Kozo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50382673903863,"sku":"MC984","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2024-08-2102.06.09copy2.jpg?v=1766721824"},{"product_id":"unusual-plate-by-lnt-ー浜田-庄司-焼〆流梅皿","title":"Unusual Plate by LNT ー浜田 庄司 “焼〆流梅皿”","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn unusual plate by Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yakishime Nagashi-yu Zara.  It is 24.5 cm (10 inches) diameter, 4 cm (1-1\/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHamada Shoji was born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1894. In 1913, at the age of 19, he entered the Ceramics Department of the Tokyo Higher Technical School (now the Tokyo Institute of Technology) where he formed a friendship with senior student Kawai Kanjiro. In 1918 after visiting an exhibition, Yanagi Soetsu introduced him to the important British potter Bernard Leach, and the history of ceramic art was forever changed. The following year, he moved to England with Leach where he lived in St. Ives. After returning to Japan (1924), he spent time in Okinawa studying and appreciating the Tsuboya pottery of the island region. He then stayed with Kanjiro in Kyoto, where he, Yanagi, and Kanjiro established the principles of the Mingei movement.  Hamada then chose to establish his own kiln in the sleepy northern town of Mashiko.  He worked incessantly to further the Mingei ideals, using local clays and materials, and became mentor to any number of artist both domestic and from abroad.  He was named a Living National Treasure in 1955.  One of the most influential and sought after of all Japanese Ceramic artists. There is no shortage of reading material for those who would like to learn more about this potter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hamada Shoji","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50418154504439,"sku":"MC1451","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-09-0706.13.24_2.jpg?v=1768194015"},{"product_id":"lnt-yunomi-cup-ー島岡-達三-象嵌湯呑","title":"LNT Yunomi Cup ー島岡 達三 “象嵌湯呑”","description":"\u003cp\u003eA belted cup with naturalistic pattern in earth tones by Living National Treasure Shimaoka Tatsuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Zogan Yunomi complete with original stamped wrapping cloth and shiori.  It is 9 cm (3-1\/2 inches) tall, roughly the same diameter and in perfect condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShimaoka Tatsuzo (1919-2007) was born in Tokyo and enrolled in the Tokyo Kogei Daigaku Ceramics division in 1939. The following year he would meet Mashiko Mingei potter Hamada Shoji, and the course of his life was thought set, graduating in 1941. However he was drafted in 1942, and sent to Burma where he would remain until repatriation after the cessation of hostilities. In 1946 Tatsuzo apprenticed under Hamada who encouraged him to find his own voice, which he did when in 1950 took part in research into ancient Jomon potteries with Shirasaki Shunji, which would have a profound influence on his style. Working with Jomon rope patterns, Tatsuzo set out to create a style unique to himself, establishing his own kiln in 1954. Widely exhibited, awarded and influential in his lifetime, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Gold award in 1994, one of the highest honors for a Japanese ceramic artist, and was designated a Living National Treasure (Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Ningenkokuho) in 1996 culminating with receiving the Order of the Rising Sun in 1999.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shimaoka Tatsuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50505874374903,"sku":"MC560","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2023-08-1908.39.33.jpg?v=1771576123"},{"product_id":"essential-large-sabi-yu-plate-by-lnt-ー浜田-庄司-黒釉錆流描皿","title":"Essential Large Sabi-yu Plate by LNT ー浜田 庄司 “黒釉錆流描皿”","description":"\u003cp\u003eA quintessential work by Living National Treasure and icon of the Mingei movement Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kuro-yu Sabi-nagashi E-zara.  It is 27 cm (just less than 11 inches) diameter, 5 cm (2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHamada Shoji was born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1894. In 1913, at the age of 19, he entered the Ceramics Department of the Tokyo Higher Technical School (now the Tokyo Institute of Technology) where he formed a friendship with senior student Kawai Kanjiro. In 1918 after visiting an exhibition, Yanagi Soetsu introduced him to the important British potter Bernard Leach, and the history of ceramic art was forever changed. The following year, he moved to England with Leach where he lived in St. Ives. After returning to Japan (1924), he spent time in Okinawa studying and appreciating the Tsuboya pottery of the island region. He then stayed with Kanjiro in Kyoto, where he, Yanagi, and Kanjiro established the principles of the Mingei movement.  Hamada then chose to establish his own kiln in the sleepy northern town of Mashiko.  He worked incessantly to further the Mingei ideals, using local clays and materials, and became mentor to any number of artist both domestic and from abroad.  He was named a Living National Treasure in 1955.  One of the most influential and sought after of all Japanese Ceramic artists. There is no shortage of reading material for those who would like to learn more about this potter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hamada Shoji","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51084693700855,"sku":"MC1420","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-08-0801.43.38.jpg?v=1788058594"},{"product_id":"large-platter-by-lnt-ー島岡-達三-地釉象嵌縄文皿","title":"Large Platter by LNT ー島岡 達三 “地釉象嵌縄文皿”","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large platter in unusual Zogan pattern by Living National Treasure Shimaoka Tatsuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ji-yu Zogan Jomon Sara. It is 31 cm (12-1\/2 inches) diameter, 4.6 cm (just less than 2 inches) tall and in perfect condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShimaoka Tatsuzo (1919-2007) was born in Tokyo and enrolled in the Tokyo Kogei Daigaku Ceramics division in 1939. The following year he would meet Mashiko Mingei potter Hamada Shoji, and the course of his life was thought set, graduating in 1941. However, he was drafted in 1942, and sent to Burma where he would remain until repatriation after the cessation of hostilities. In 1946 Tatsuzo apprenticed under Hamada who encouraged him to find his own voice, which he did when in 1950 took part in research into ancient Jomon potteries with Shirasaki Shunji, which would have a profound influence on his style. Working with Jomon rope patterns, Tatsuzo set out to create a style unique to himself, establishing his own kiln in 1954. Widely exhibited, awarded and influential in his lifetime, he received the Japan Ceramic Society Gold award in 1994, one of the highest honors for a Japanese ceramic artist, and was designated a Living National Treasure (Juyo Mukei Bunkazai or Ningenkokuho) in 1996 culminating with receiving the Order of the Rising Sun in 1999.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shimaoka Tatsuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51084695306487,"sku":"MC1421","price":400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-08-0801.36.21.jpg?v=1788058816"}],"url":"https:\/\/kuramonzen.com\/collections\/%e7%89%b9%e9%9b%86-%e4%ba%ba%e9%96%93%e5%9b%bd%e5%ae%9d-living-national-treasures.oembed","provider":"Kura Monzen Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}