Showa period (1926-1989), stoneware with tenmoku and kaki glaze with trailed decoration.

1 3/4 in., 10 in. diameter

Purchased in Japan.

Shoji Hamada, a Living National Treasure, was one of the most influential potters of the 20th century. He spent time working in Mashiko, Japan, as well as St. Ives in England. Hamada drew inspiration from a wide variety of folk ceramic traditions most notably from England, Korea, and Okinawa. Hamada had no desire to become a folk potter, but his great respect for the artisan's craft led him to draw as much as possible from the folk traditions. Hamada's influence on potters around the world is incalculable, and the village in which he settled, Mashiko, north of Tokyo, has become synonymous with Japanese folk ceramics.

Good condition; a slight kiln defect or nick to foot rim on outer edge.

$1,500 - 3,000