mashiko pottery

Yokoyama Yuichi 横山雄一

1970-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko Town as the eldest son of potter Yokoyama Yoshio.1990 Graduated from Aichi Prefectural College of Ceramic Technology, Department of Design1991 Studied ceramics under the guidance of his fatherFirst solo exhibition at the Mashiko Pottery CenterWhite glazed grapevine cinnabar handled pottery1992 Produced the Nunome Cherry Blossom series of ceramicsSelected for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998)1994 Produced aka-e and shino ceramics1999 Instructed pottery classes2000 Produced the Gray Mikage series of ceramicsOribe wareProduced the Red Mikage series of ceramicsSolo exhibition at Toraku (more…)

Hagiwara Yoshinori 萩原芳典

1974-malemashiko potteryBorn as the 5th generation of Hagiwara Pottery1994 Completed apprentice and research student at Tochigi Prefectural Ceramics Institute　Joined Hagiwara Pottery and began making pottery2004 Selected to exhibit at the 78th National Exhibition (and subsequently selected consecutively)2007 Awarded the Encouragement Prize at the National Exhibition　Selected for the 62nd Tochigi Prefectural Art Festival Art Exhibition (consecutive selection thereafter)2008 Became a member of the Kokuga-kai　　　 Awarded Encouragement Prize at the Tochigi Prefectural Art Exhibition2009 Awarded the National Painting Prize at the National Exhibition2010 Became an associate member of the Kokuga-kai　Selected for the “25th Tochigi Art Exhibition” (and thereafter selected consecutively)2011 Solo exhibition (more…)

Sakuma Fujiya 佐久間藤也

1963-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko Town. Eldest son of grandfather Sakuma Totaro and father Kenji 　1985 Graduated from Nagoya University of Arts1986 Trained at Tochigi Prefectural Ceramics Training Center, joined Sakuma Totaro Kiln1996 Tower of London from Nikko Toshogu, Royal Armor Museum　Produced matcha kettle for donation to the Fukutokuan, Leeds New Wing, Leeds, England1999 “The 73rd National Exhibition”, first time exhibited, first prize winner (and thereafter consecutive prize winners)2003 Awarded the Newcomer’s Prize at the 77th National Exhibition2004 Became a member of the Kokuga-kai2005 Awarded the National Painting Prize at the 79th National Exhibition, promoted to Associate Member of the National (more…)

Shimaoka Kei 島岡桂

1978-malemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo, the second son of Fudeya Hitoshi (Japanese painting) and Fudeya Yoshiko (glass art)1996 Graduated from Utsunomiya Junior College High School, Culinary Arts1997 Graduated from Tochigi Prefectural Ceramics Institute (apprenticeship)　Trained for 6 years under his grandfather, Shimaoka Tatsuzo, living national treasure. 2003 Started production at Shimaoka Pottery　Held graduation exhibition at Ginza Takumi, Tokyo2004 Solo exhibition at Matsuya Ginza (and annually thereafter)2005 Solo exhibition at Hankyu Umeda (and annually thereafter)　Solo exhibition held at Seibu Department Store Ikebukuro (and annually thereafter)　Adopted by Shimaoka Tatsuzo.2007 Exhibited at JARFO “New York Sake Exhibition　Succeeded to Shimaoka Pottery2011 Exhibited at “The Beauty of (more…)

Shimaoka Ryuta 島岡龍太

1952-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko, eldest son of Shimaoka Tatsuzo1976 Graduated from Kyoto Institute of Technology1981 Studied at Goda Ceramic Research Institute1987 Solo exhibition at Aoyama Green Gallery (every other year)1989 Solo exhibition at Osaka Hankyu Department Store1990 Solo exhibition at Matsuya, Ginza2004 “Two Men’s Exhibition” with Mashiko Tsukamoto2007 “Parent and Child Exhibition” with Mashiko Tsukamoto2011 Aoyama Beniya “Two Men’s Exhibition　Beyond the Damage to the Ceramic Industry in Mashiko and the Northern Kanto Region　Exhibition of ceramics by 12 up-and-coming artists (more…)

Hashimoto Shuichi 橋本秀一

1954-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko1980 Studied under Hamada Atsuya1984 Built own kiln in Osawa, Mashiko1991 “Japan Folk Crafts Museum Exhibition” Selected2000 “Mashiko Ceramic Art Exhibition” Selected　Exhibited in “The 20th Century of Tochigi Prefecture Art II: The Thousand Year Door Exhibition” at Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts2003 “Mashiko Contemporary Artists Ceramics Exhibition2004 “100 Ceramic Artists of Mashiko”, Contemporary Art in Mashiko2007 ” Hamada Shoji and His Genealogy Exhibition” exhibited (more…)

Hamada Tomoo 濱田友緒

1967-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko Town. Second son of Hamada Shinsaku, grandson of Hamada Shoji1991 Completed Graduate School of Tama Art University1995 Traveled to England on a delegation from the town of Mashiko. St. Ives, London2000 Pottery East&West Exhibition, Ditchling Museum of Art　Exhibited and demonstrated2001 Solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Department Store, Nihonbashi (and every other year thereafter)2002 The Japan-America Cultural Center, Los Angeles　Exhibited in “Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Artists Exhibition2005 Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art　Exhibited in “Three Generations of Hamada-gama: Shoji, Shinsaku, and Tomoo2009 Solo exhibition at Reach Pottery, St. Ives　　 　Hamada Kiln Three Generations Exhibition” at Packer Gallery, Boston　Demonstrations (more…)

Oka Sakura 岡左久良

1938-malemashiko potteryBorn in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. His grandfather was Kawabata Ryushi (1885-1966), a Japanese painter and haiku poet. Studied under Hamada Shoji for 11 years. In 1989, he built a kiln at his home in Eifuku-cho, Suginami, Tokyo, and began his creative activities. He held his first solo exhibition at Daimaru in Kyoto and his second at Takashimaya in Tokyo. (more…)

Goda Yoshimichi 合田好道

1910-2000malemashiko potteryBorn in Toyohama-cho, Mitoyo-gun (now Kanonji City), Kagawa Prefecture. In 1925, he dropped out of Mitoyo Junior High School and moved to Beppu. In 1930, he met Koyama Fujio, Chokai Seiji, Ryoji Kumata, and Aizu Yaichi. In 1939, through Fujio Koyama, he came to know Asakawa Noritaka. In 1942, he opened the craft store “MON (Gate)” with Itoh Yasubei, which also served as a coffee shop. He displayed works by Tomimoto Kenkichi, Ishiguro Munemaro, Kitaoji Rosanjin, Arakawa Toyozo, and Hamada Shoji. In 1946, he moved to Mashiko with the help of Hamada Shoji. In 1946, he moved to Mashiko (more…)

Murasawa Jun 村澤享

1979-malemashiko potteryBorn in 1979, Mashiko-cho, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture. Murasawa is the 5th generation of famous pottery brand, “Murasawa Toen”, which was first founded in 1905. There is an anticipation in the community for him to be the next young leader of Mashiko pottery, and he has received many awards in Tochigi Pref., Japan. His award-winning pottery pieces are displayed at his pottery shop in Mashiko-cho. Murasawa Toen’s climbing kilns, which is one of the biggest in the city, crumbled down because of the 3.11 Northern Japan earthquake in 2011. However, it has recently been reconstructed by Murasawa and kiln specialists, (more…)

Horikoshi Miki 堀越美紀

1950-femalemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo. Graduated from the Joshibi Junior College of Art and Design. Became an apprentice under her father, Horikoshi Einosuke and began to pursue creating ceramics. Accepted in the Tochigi Prefectural Exhibition, Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, New Work Exhibition, and the Daisan Bunmei Art Exhibition. Various overseas inspections. Created a Peace Memorial monument in 1984 by the request from the Republic of Panama. Held solo exhibitions at Nagoya Matsuzakaya, Hachioji Daimaru, Matsudo Urban G, Ginza Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, and more. Primarily works with iron painting and ash glaze. (more…)

Furuhashi Hisanori 古橋尚憲

1947-malemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo. Graduated from the Kitasato University School of Medicine Hygiene department. After resigning from Toyo Brewery, entered the Tochigi Prefecture Industrial Technology Center. Studied under Mimura Zenzo. Became independent in 1977. (more…)

Furukawa Toshiko 古川俊子

1939-femalemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo. Graduated the Art Crafts department of the Tokyo University of the Arts. Same school as her husband, Furukawa Takahisa. Studied under Kato Hajime. Accepted in various exhibitions including the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. Became an official member of the Japan Art Crafts Association in 1978. Held solo exhibitions at Kandori in Kioicho and more. Primarily creates Akae pottery. (more…)

Chikaraishi Shunji 力石俊二

1947-malemashiko potteryBorn in Kanagawa Prefecture. Graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. Became independent in Mashiko in 1974. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and others. Solo exhibitions at Ikebukuro Seibu Department Store and others. Painted in overglaze enamels and blue and white. (more…)

Tayama Mitsutaka 田山光孝

1947-malemashiko potteryBorn in Nikko City, Japan. Graduated from Hosei University. Trained at the Tochigi Ceramic Industry Training Institute. Studied under Sakata Jinnai, Furukawa Takahisa, and Kamoda Shoji. Built a kiln in Mashiko in 1976. Selected for the New Traditional Craft Exhibition and the Musashino Exhibition. Solo exhibitions at Utsunomiya, Ikebukuro Seibu Department Store, Shinjuku Isetan Department Store, Kurosaki Sogo Department Store, Yamagata Jujiya Department Store, etc. His works are mainly white porcelain and celadon. (more…)

Tanaka Midori 田中みどり

1948-femalemashiko potteryBorn in Kyoto City. Graduated from Hiyoshioka High School, Department of Arts and Crafts. Completed the Kyoto Industrial Research Institute. Established her own kiln in Mashiko in 1972. Her work has been selected for the Women’s Ceramic Art Exhibition and others. She uses mainly straw ash glaze and other ash glazes to create patterns with fluency. Solo exhibitions and group exhibitions. (more…)

Tanaka Masao 田中正生

1945-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. In 1971, he built a cellar kiln and became an independent potter. 1974, he went to Shigaraki to study under Ogawa Seiho. 1975, he returned his hometown and built a salt kiln. 1980, he moved to Kitagoya, Mashiko Town and opened a climbing kiln. He has had solo and group exhibitions every year since 1976, including a two-person exhibition with Sakuma Kenji. Works mainly with salt glaze, high-fired unglazed ceramics, scorched surface coloring, and ash glaze. (more…)

Takeda Toshio 武田敏男

1932-malemashiko potteryBorn in Toyama Prefecture. Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art. Studied under Yonezawa Soho, Kitade Toujiro, and Tamura Koichi. Became independent in 1964. Joined Zodo-kai. Won prizes at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Traditional Craft Exhibition. Held solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Takashimaya Department store and others. Focused on wax resist and double glaze work. Full member of Japan Kogei Association. (more…)

Takeshita Takaya 竹下孝哉

1941-malemashiko potteryBorn in Taipei.Graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and began making pottery in 1971. He has been selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, the New Traditional Craft Exhibition, and others.He has been working on modern art, mainly using the kneading technique. (more…)

Daiguji Michiko 大宮司道子

1933-femalemashiko potteryGraduated from Women’s College of Art. After working as a junior high school teacher, entered Mashiko. Studied under Kamoda Shoji and Daimyoji Takahito. She has won prizes at the Women’s Ceramic Art Exhibition, the New Traditional Craft Exhibition, and the Kita-Kanto Art Exhibition. Participated in various overseas exhibitions. Solo exhibitions at Takasaki Takashimaya Department Store and others. Mainly works with high-fired unglazed ceramics with scorched surface coloring. (more…)

Daiguji Takahito 大宮司崇人

1927-?malemashiko potteryBorn in Miyagi Prefecture. Trained at Mashiko Endoji Kiln. Studied under Tamura Koichi. Formed Zodo-kai. Selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition. Focused on inlay and carbonized firing. Solo exhibition at Nihonbashi Takashimaya Department Store. (more…)

Sudo Takeo 須藤武雄

1931-1998malemashiko potteryThird generation of Hyuga Kiln. Studied under Hamada Shoji. Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition. Awarded at the North Kanto Art Exhibition. Held solo exhibitions sponsored by Tochigi Newspaper Company, Utsunomiya and Ginza Matsuzakaya Department Store. Works mainly with overglaze red enamel decoration, persimmon glaze, and salt glaze. (more…)

Susukida Koji 薄田浩司

1945-2015malemashiko potteryBorn in Nanjing, China and raised in Osaka. Studied under Taniguchi Ryozo and Murata Gen. Established his own kiln in Mashiko in 1969. His works have been selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the North Kanto Art Exhibition. Solo and group exhibitions at Shinjuku Keio Department Store, Ginza Matsuya Department Store and others. Works with traditional Mashiko salt and ash glazes, and inlay in the style of Mishima in the Joseon Dynasty. (more…)

Suzuki Ryo 鈴木量

1945-malemashiko potteryBorn in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Okazaki Technical High School, entered Mashiko in 1967 and trained at Tsukamoto Kiln. He has been awarded prizes at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, the New Traditional Craft Exhibition, the North Kanto Art Exhibition, Chunichi International Exhibition, and the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition. Solo exhibitions at Yokohama Marusho Gallery, Ikebukuro Tobu Department Store, etc. His works include ash glaze, inlay, copper painting, and line patterns. (more…)

Suzuki Takeshi 鈴木猛

1935-malemashiko potteryBorn in Shenyang, China. Graduated from Motegi High School, built a kiln in 1971 in Ikutame, Mashiko, and moved to Saido in 1977. His works have been selected for the New Traditional Craft Exhibition, the Musashino Exhibition, the North Kanto Art Exhibition, the Tochigi Prefectural Art Festival, the Asian Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition, and others. Focuses on ash glaze and persimmon glaze. (more…)

Sugimoto Kotaro 杉本浩太郎

1939-malemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo. Graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. Later worked at Tobe Umeno pottery company, and opened his own kiln in 1971 in Mashiko. He was selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, and the New Works Exhibition. He has exhibited his works at the Joto-kai, Toyo-kai, and Saiko-kai exhibitions. Solo exhibitions at Ikebukuro Seibu, New Otani Kandori, Shinjuku G Takano, etc. Focuses on colored ceramics and iron painting. (more…)

Shiraishi Takashi 白石嶈

1934-?malemashiko potteryBorn in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture. Studied under Suzuki Osai in Bizen and Katsuo Seiryudo the first in Kyoto. In 1955, Entered Mashiko through the introduction of painter Yamaguchi Nagao. In 1975, Established his own kiln in Mashiko. Studied under Yamaguchi Nagao. Selected for the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, Chunichi International Exhibition, and others. Awarded the Newcomer Prize in the Design Division of the New Production Space. Creates abstract works with hand-kneaded ash cover and tableware with zaffre glaze. (more…)

Shiraishi Atsushi 白石篤

1922-?malemashiko potteryGraduated from Tokyo University of Science, and started teaching in 1954, using Raku ware in high school science classes, retiring in 1984. In the meantime, he moved to Mashiko in 1958 and opened a climbing kiln in 1970. He has had solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Nagoya Oriental Nakamura, Gifu Gallery Ayu and others. He combines the traditional Mashiko technique with colored glazes in his pottery. (more…)

Shimada Hitoshi 島田緋陶志

1949-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. Graduated from Moka High School. In 1970, he succeeded to the family business as the third generation of Shimada Kiln. Selected for the New Traditional Craft Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition. Has held solo exhibitions including a two-person exhibition with Kyoko at Isejin, Mito. Also uses chamfering, inlay, and hand-twisting. (more…)

Shimada Kyoko 島田恭子

1954-femalemashiko potteryBorn in Ibaraki Prefecture. Graduated from Tochigi Prefecture Pottery Training Institute in 1978, and began making pottery. First solo exhibition in Mashiko in 1980. Solo exhibition. Held a two-person exhibition with her husband, Hitoroshi, at Isejin, Mito. Solo exhibitions at Shinjuku Odakyu and Utsunomiya Seibu.Focused on overglaze painting and red painting. (more…)

Sato Manabu 佐藤学

1948-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko Town. Father is Sato Koji of Hikari Kiln. Has an older brother, Takumi. Studied pottery under his father in 1965, built his own kiln in 1974 and became independent. He produces vases, tableware, etc. with ash glaze, etc., mainly using the cinnabar and kiln colors that Mitsushiro has made. (more…)

Sato Takumi 佐藤巧

1962-2006malemashiko potteryIn 1983, he graduated from the Saga Art College, Department of Ceramics, and the following year, he completed the Ceramics Course at the Kyoto Oriented Experiment Station. After that, he worked as a lecturer at the same university, and in 2001, he completed his master’s degree at the University of New South Wales. He died prematurely in his studio in Sasayama at the age of 44, leaving behind many works of art that were highly acclaimed overseas. (more…)

Sato Kojo 佐藤光城

1915-?malemashilo potteryGraduated from Mashiko Ceramic Testing Institute. Worked at the Ibaraki Ceramics Research Institute and began making pottery in 1946. Exhibited mainly tea ware with tenmoku cinnabar, brushwork, crystal glaze, and iron glaze. (more…)

Kimura Ichiro 木村一郎

1915-1978malemashiko potteryBorn in 1915, died in 1978. Born in Mashiko. He studied under Hamada Shoji. Underwent Kyoto pottery trial training. Became independent in 1946. He has won prizes at the Japan Folk Art Exhibition, The Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition, the National Ceramics Exhibition, the Japan Industrial Exhibition, and the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. (more…)

Watanabe Seiji 渡辺請二

1949-2013malemashiko potteryBorn in Yoro District, Gifu Prefecture. Graduated from Gifu Higashi High School. After moving to Tokyo, he apprenticed under Kawasaki Takeshi. Trained in Mashiko in 1971. Went independent in 1974. Selected for the New Traditional Crafts Exhibition and the New Crafts Exhibition. Known for using ash glaze. (more…)

Wakabayashi Sobie 若林聳

1946-mashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo. Graduated from Musashino Art University. Trained at the Tochigi Prefecture Ceramics Research Institute. Went independent in 1975. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, others. Primarily focused on inlay, blue-white porcelain, and red-painted porcelain. (more…)

Yoshikawa Motomi 吉川心水

1947-malemashiko potteryFrom Odawara, Kanagawa. After graduating from Soyo High School, trained at Tochigi Prefectural Ceramic Instruction Institute. Worked as an assistant for his brother Mizuki. Later studied under Kamoda Shoji and succeeded his kiln in Tono, Iwate. Became independent in 1972. Selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Exhibition, North Kanto Exhibition, and other exhibitions. Held private exhibitions at the Seibu in Ikebukuro and other venues. Used sgraffito, copper glazing, iron pigment painting, and Ame-yu glaze. Official Member of the Japan Craft Society. (more…)

Yokoo Emiko 横尾恵美子

1953-femalemashiko potteryFrom Kyoto. Graduated from the Department of Ceramics at Hiyoshigaoka High School in Kyoto. Later worked as an Instructor at a pottery school. Moved to Mashiko in 1978 and started making ceramics. Started a kiln in 1979 and became independent. Mainly created objects with high sensibility. 栃木県芳賀郡益子町大沢2795 www.mashiko-kankou.org益子町観光協会のホームページです (more…)

Yamato Tomoko 大和知子

1951-femalemashiko potteryBorn in Shiogama City. After graduating from Miyagi Gakuin High School, she completed the Tochigi Ceramic Instructor’s Course. In 1974, she set up her own business in Mashiko, and in 1977, she went to Europe and trained at kilns in various countries. After returning to Japan the following year, she exhibited her tableware in Sendai, Tokyo and other places. (more…)

Yamaguchi Tsutomu 山口孟

1934-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko Town. Graduated from Moka High School and began his career in ceramics in 1957. Studied under Kimura Ichiro. Active mainly in solo exhibitions. Solo exhibitions at Sapporo, Muroran Marui, and Utsunomiya Ueno every other year since 1966. Holds four-man exhibitions of Ichiro Kimura’s family. Focuses on glayish ceradon and cinnabar. (more…)

Yanaoka Masato 柳岡真人

1942-malemashiko potteryHe graduated from the Department of Philosophy, Graduate School of Arts and Letters, Gakushuin University. He studied at Tochigi Prefecture Kiln Instruction Center in 1973 and became independent in 1977. teacup 2,000 JPY 栃木県芳賀郡茂木町深沢333 (more…)

Murata Hiroshi 村田浩

1941-malemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo and raised in Mashiko. Graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology. Studied under his father, Murata Gen, since 1970. After working as a part-time contractor at the Tochigi Prefectural Ceramic Training Institute, he built a climbing kiln and became independent in 1977. Solo exhibitions at Marunouchi Ohashi Hall, Ginza Okura Gallery, Ikebukuro Seibu, and others, focusing on bran glaze, iron and sand glaze, and iron glazed painting. (more…)

Sawamura Hiroshi 村澤浩

1948-malemashiko potteryHe was born in Mashiko. He inherited the first kiln with his grandfather Tadashi and father Kazumasa. Graduated from Sakushin Gakuin school. Graduated from the Tochigi Prefectural Ceramic Art Training Institute. Selected for the New Traditional Craft Exhibition, the National Exhibition, and the North Kanto Art Exhibition. (more…)

Murasawa Kazumasa 村澤一正

1924-?malemashiko potteryHe was born in Mashiko. He inherited the first kiln established in the Meiji era with his father Tadashi. Mainly iron and ash glaze. (more…)

Miyamoto Yasutaka 宮本康隆

1939-malemashiko potteryBorn in former Manchuria Mukden (now Shenyang, Liaoning Province). He was raised in Los Angeles. Returned to Japan and moved to Mashiko in 1973 to train at a kiln. Ash glaze and inlay, etc. (more…)

Miyazaki Yutaka 宮崎豊

1948-malemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Graduated from the Departments of Training and Research at the Tochigi Prefectural Ceramic Instruction Institute. Studied under Katori Hajime. Works focus on Hai-yu ash glaze and carved patterns. (more…)

Miyake Yoji 三宅洋司

1950-malemashiko potteryFrom Shimane Prefecture. Studied under Ito Kosho in 1974. Became independent in 1977. Selected for the Exhibition of New Works of Traditional Craft Art, Japan Traditional Craft Art Exhibition, and Japan Ceramic Craft Exhibition. Official Member of the Japan Craft Art Society. Works focus on Kayame, Tetsue, and Nukie. (more…)

Mimura Hokudo 三村北土

1920-?malemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Real name is Takao. Graduated from Mashiko Ceramic Training School in 1938. After serving as a technician at the Department of Ceramics at Aomori Prefectural Industrial Experimental Institute, went to Thailand in 1945 and made ceramics in the suburbs of Bangkok. After returning to Japan, served as the Tochigi Prefectural Technical Officer of Ceramic Instruction and Instructor of Successor Training. Became independent in 1970. Selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Art Exhibition, Japan Ceramic Craft Exhibition, and other exhibitions and won awards. Certified as a Traditional Craftsperson in 1980. (more…)

Minowa Yasuo 箕輪靖夫

1942-malemashiko potteryFrom Rason. Grew up in Tokyo. Trained in Kasama in 1971. Started an ascending kiln in 1976. Studied under Matsui Kosei. Selected for the New Work of Traditional Craft Art Exhibition. (more…)

Mizuno Masayoshi 水野正善

1943-malemashiko potteryBorn in Hyogo prefecture. Graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in 1966. Later studied making ceramics under Narii Tsuneo in Mashiko in 1974. Founded a kiln in Nanai, Mashiko, in 1978 and went independent. Loose style primarily focused on inlay. (more…)

Matsubara Naoyuki 松原直之

1938-malemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Studied under Kimura Ichiro and Yagi Kazuo. Became independent in 1961. Won the Prefectural Art Festival Award. Produced an innovative effect by using Akae iron red overglaze over Namijiro-yu glaze bases. (more…)

Matsushita Tadao 松下忠生

1951-malemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Studied under Sakuma Kenji between 1973 and 1978. Became independent in 1978. Works focus on tableware for daily life using the traditional techniques and materials of Mashiko. (more…)

Fujinaga Atsumu 藤永敦

1929-?malemashiko potteryFrom Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture. Graduated from Kyoto Institute of Technology Ceramics Department. Became a staff member of Tochigi Prefecture Ceramics Guidance Center and was in charge of design. In 1976, Built a kiln and became independent in Mashiko. Mainly works with cutting edge decorations. (more…)

Fukuda Haruo 福田晴夫

1949-malemashiko potteryFrom Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture. Came to Mashiko because he was attracted to Shoji Hamada. Became independent in 1975. Placed in JAPAN CERAMIC ART EXHIBITION, New Works Exhibition and Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition. Made tableware for Ginza Mikasakaikan. (more…)

Fukuda Katsumi 福田勝実

1945-malemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Graduated from Shibaura Institute of Technology. After working as a technician at TOSHIBA CORPORATION, created porcelain by studying under his father. In 1975, became independent. Placed in Traditional Kogei New Work Exhibition, Musashino Exhibition, etc. Marbled, zogan, engobe ash glaze. (more…)

Fukushima Minoru 福島実

1942-malemashiko potteryFrom Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Graduated from Takasaki Commercial High School. In 1968, joined Tsukamoto Co.,Ltd. Studied under Motofuji Shiro. In 1972, built a kiln and became independent in Mashiko. Personal exhibition at Mashiko Co-Sales Center every year. Group exhibition, personal exhibition and so on in Ustunomiya, Tokyo and Takasaki. (more…)

Fukushima Haruo 福島晴雄

1949-malemashiko potteryFrom Masuko-cho. Graduated from Maoka Technical High School. Trained at Mashiko O Kiln. In 1971, built the kiln and became independent. Placed in Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, Musashino Exhibition, etc. Group exhibition at Shinjuku Keio Department, Tokyo Central and Chiba Rokuro. Mainly works with ash glazed, akae and sgraffito. (more…)

Hiyama Tsuneo 樋山恒男

1947-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. Raised with the influences of Mashiko folk art, began to aspire to ceramic-making. Built a kiln in 1978 and went independent. Group exhibitions at Mashiko Co-Sales Center annually since 1980. Along with traditional techniques of persimmon glaze, bran-white glaze, candy glaze, red painting, focused on making celadon ceramics in harmony with Mashiko traditions. (more…)

Tamura Koichi 田村耕一

1916-1987malemashiko potteryliving national treasureAfter graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, he served as a teacher in Osaka for a while. He first became interested in ceramics around this time, but resigned due to his conscription.After WWII, he studied ceramics techniques in Kyoto under Tomimoto Kenkichi, then returned to his hometown, Tochinoki. In 1948 he took part in establishing Akami ware in Sano, Tochigi prefecture. The same year, he exhibited at the second Tochigi Art Festival, where he was noticed by Hamada Shoji. In 1950 he became a technical official for the Tochigi Prefectural Ceramics Coaching Center. In 1953 he (more…)

Shimaoka Tatsuzo 島岡達三

1919-2007malemashiko potteryliving national treasureBorn in 1919 (eighth year of the Taisho era), the eldest son of Shimaoka Yonekichi, a braid maker from Atago, Tokyo. In his third year of high school, inspired by works of Kawai Kanjiro and Hamada Shoji he had witnessed at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, he resolved to become a potter. In 1939, he enrolled in the ceramics department at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. The following year, he visited Mashiko to meet with Hamada, who agreed to accept Shimaoka as his apprentice. However, in 1942, following the breakout of the Pacific War, Shimaoka joined a (more…)

Murata Gen 村田元

1904-1988malemashiko potteryBorn in 1904 in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Although originally an aspiring painter, he could not make a living as a painter, thus he came to Mashiko to rely on the renowned Shouji Hamada immediately after the war. He began training as a pupil to practice his ceramic skills in 1944, rose up to a place in Mashiko called Kitagoya, built a furnace and became independent in 1954. Murata transported his completed pottery on his bicycle-towed trailer to the streets of Mashiko for sale, but his life was so difficult that his wife devoted herself to support the family. (more…)

Nakamura Kenji 中村謙司

1947-malemashiko potteryFrom Tokyo. Graduated from Dokkyo University. Studied under Okuda Yasuhiro of the Kagura Kiln in Ise. Later went to the Mashiko Tsukamoto Pottery Center and set up independently in 1975 in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Set up a kiln there in 1976. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, the Musashino Exhibition, the Japan Ceramics Exhibition, and others. Uses cinnabar, ash glaze, yakishime, and salt glaze. (more…)

Nagafuchi Kiyoshi 永渕聖

1950-malemashiko potteryFrom Yamaguchi Prefecture. Graduated from the Department of Production Engineering at Nihon University. Decided to pursue pottery in 1974 and trained at Daishukugama Kiln. Became a student of Hirosaki Hiroya in 1976. Set up a kiln independently in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture in 1977. Focuses on straw ash glaze, ash glaze, and black glaze. (more…)

Nakata Ryoko 仲田良子

1948-femalemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Graduated from Mooka Girls’ High School. Joined Haniwa Toen Pottery in 1968. Studied under Furukawa Takahisa and Toshiko. Set up independently in 1975. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and the New Works Exhibition. Regular member of the Japan Crafts Association. Focuses on tableware with red painting. (more…)

Hayakawa Yoshinori 早川嘉則

1946-malemashiko potteryStudied under Yasuda Takeshi in Mashiko in 1972, and in 1974 built a kiln and established Hayakawa Pottery in Mashiko. Awarded at the Shinshoukai Exhibition, the Kita-Kanto Art Exhibition, and the New Traditional Craft Exhibition, among others. Solo exhibitions at Matsuzakaya, Nagoya and Toetsu, Ginza. Group exhibition at Seibu Ikebukuro and Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Gave overglaze colors to salt glaze, akae, dyed and carbonized firing in ascending kiln. (more…)

Hamada Atsuya 濱田篤哉

1931 -1988malemashiko potteryThird son of Hamada Shoji. Born in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. After graduating from Moka High School, he went to England in 1956 to study under Bernard Leach for two years. Solo exhibitions at Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi and elsewhere. His works include a teapot and pitcher with bran, persimmon, black ground glaze and salt glaze. (more…)

Harvey Young

1945 –malemashiko potteryHe was born in Chicago. Graduated from California State University. Later, he studied under Seto Hiroshi in Mashiko and Gue Yu Eriksen in Denmark. Moved to Japan in 1984 and built a kiln in Mashiko. In 1984, he moved to Japan and established his own kiln in Mashiko, where he mainly made slip decorations and gray glazes. (more…)

Nagakura Suiko 長倉翠子

1937- 2016femalemashiko potteryFrom Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Went to Mashiko in 1966 and set up independently. Selected for and received prizes at the Japan Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition, the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition, the Japan Modern Crafts Exhibition, the Kofukai Exhibition, and others. Has held solo exhibitions at Nihonbashi Takashimaya and Yamagata Onuma. (more…)

Hattori Shunzo 服部俊三

1945–malemashiko potteryBorn in Nasu, Tochigi while his family was retreating from the front line of the war. Graduated from Salesian Polytechnic. Started work at Mitsukoshi in the beginning, but left in 1976 and moved to Mashiko with the aim of becoming a potter. Became the apprentice of Nariyoshi Jin. In 1978, he went independent and established his kiln in Mashiko. Nominated in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and New Crafts Exhibition. Specializes in copper underglaze iron decoration, nail engraving, and black glaze. (more…)

Hasegawa Tsugio 長谷川つぎお

1950–malemashiko potteryBorn in the town of Mashiko. He was born into a family that works in the ceramics industry. Graduated from Senshu University School of Business Management in 1972. In 1975, he established his own kiln in Tokyo’s Hazawa and aimed to become a potter. In 1981, he established the Hasegawa kiln in his hometown of Ozawa. He specializes in carbonization fire Yakishime, rough texture scraping, and ash glaze. (more…)

Hagiwara Toshio 萩原としを

1933-?malemashiko potteryBorn in the town of Mashiko. Graduated from Nishogakusha University. He originally majored in writing scenarios, but he returned to his hometown in 1966 to work at the Pottery Association and learned about pottery on the side. He went independent in 1968. He has held solo exhibitions at the Asagaya art gallery and Hachioji’s Daimaru. In 1980, he held a 10 year anniversary exhibition in Sano city. (more…)

Hamada Shoji 濱田庄司

1894-1978malemashiko potteryliving national treasureHamada Shoji was a renowned craftsman and representative figure in modern Japanese pottery. Born in Tokyo in 1894, he resolved to become a potter while still a student at Furitsuicchu (the Tokyo First Prefectural Jr. High School, Hibiya high school at present). After studying ceramics at the Tokyo Higher Technical School (present-day Tokyo Institute of Technology), Hamada joined the Kyoto Municipal Ceramic Laboratory, where he would meet his lifelong friend, Kawai Kanjiro. As Hamada later summarized the narrative arc of his career, “I found the path in Kyoto, began my journey in England, studied in Okinawa, and (more…)

Hamada Shinsaku 濱田晋作

1929-malemashiko potteryBorn as the second son of Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji, Shinsaku moved with his family to Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture when he was only several months old. It was here that he developed an interest in pottery, and it was in junior high school that he committed himself to carrying on his father’s legacy by becoming a pottery. Around 1950, at the same time as when he graduated from university, Hamada began his own training in pottery in his father’s workshop. In 1963, he served as an assistant to his father and Bernard Leach as they toured America giving (more…)

Noto Midori 能登実登利

1951-malemashiko potteryBorn in Fukui Prefecture. He entered Mashiko in 1973 and studied under Narui Tsuneo. In 1975, he built his own kiln and became independent. He has brought out the charm of Mashiko pottery without any eccentricities. (more…)

Negishi Tadao 根岸忠男　

1955-malemashiko potteryBorn in Misato-mura, Kodama-gun, Saitama Prefecture. Graduated from Honjo Vocational Training School. Studied under Takada Akira in 1976. He entered Mashiko in 1978, and after working as a research student at Tsukamoto Pottery, became independent in 1982. His work was selected for the New Work Exhibition and other exhibitions at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. He mainly produces pottery with a focus on kiln-dyed pieces. (more…)

Narui Fujio 成井藤夫

1930-1991malemashiko potteryTrained at the family business in Endoji Kiln. Studied under Goda Yoshimichi since 1948. Looked up to Hamada Shoji and Sakuma Totaro. Became an independent potter in 1955. He established the Mashiko Pottery Cooperative Center in 1965 and became the president of the company. Left the company in 1977. Established the Mashiko Ceramic Village in 1978. Held solo exhibitions at Shinjuku Keio and other venues. Zaffer iron red overglaze. (more…)

Narui Tsuneo 成井恒雄

1939-2012malemashiko potteryA member of the Narui ceramic family. Trained at the family business in Endoji kiln. He joined the Oshuku kiln, a joint kiln, in 1965. Became independent in 1971. Affiliate of the Japan Artists’ Association. (more…)

Narui Tappo 成井立歩

1925-2010malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. His real name is Masanao. Inherited the family business, the Endoji Kiln. Went to Australia in 1972 and held solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney. Later, built a climbing kiln at the request of Gimhae, Busan. Awarded the Prefectural Art Festival Prize, the Special Prize at the Special Products Exhibition and the National Painting Association Award among others. First solo exhibition at Enkakuji Temple in Kamakura, and other solo exhibitions throughout Japan. (more…)

Nariyoshi Jin 成良仁

1942-2012malemashiko potteryBorn in Gifu City. Completed a graduate course at Tokyo University of Arts. Built the kiln in 1973. Awarded a prize at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition among others. Awarded the Honorable Mention at the Musashino Exhibition and others. Awarded the Grand Prize at the Prefectural Art Festival. A regular member of the Japan Arts and Craft Society. Mainly in iron under glaze and chamfering.He also known as Nanda Koreya, a filmmaker who makes unusual ceramic dolls. (more…)

Namai Keiko 生井慶子

1934-femalemashiko potteryBorn in Mogi-machi, Tochigi Prefecture. Graduated from Toriyama Girls’ High School in Tochigi Prefecture. Studied under Fukuhara Tatsuro and Kawamura Tomozan.Trained at Mashiko Tsukamoto Pottery, Kosago kiln, Nihonmatsu Manko-yaki and Mashiko Endoji Kiln. Became an independent potter in 1979. Her work was selected for the National Exhibition. Her works are glazed with ash and lime glaze on brush strokes and underglaze iron pictures that bring out the earthiness of the pottery. Uses colored glazes mixed with cobalt and copper oxide. (more…)

Nakamura Fumimasa 中村文昌

1939-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. Inherited the family business. Studied at the Nagoya Industrial Standards Institute in 1958. Won awards at the Shinkyo-Ten and Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, among others. Held personal exhibitions at Shibuya Tokyu, Ginza Matsuya, and Utsunomiya Ueno. Iron glaze, salt glaze and ash glaze. (more…)

Kataoka Fumio 片岡文尾

1949-malemashiko potteryBorn in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Toyo University. Began studying ceramics on his own, and in 1980 built his own kiln in Motegi. Active in holding group exhibitions in various places. Aimed at an abstract sense with scraping and carving. (more…)

Toneda Motoi 刀禰田基

1945-malemashiko potteryFrom Yamaguchi Prefecture. Graduated from Omiyakita High School. Trained at Narui Pottery in Mashiko in 1963, and later studied under his father Katsufumi. Set up a kiln independently there in 1976. Focuses on carved one-flower vases, earthenware bells, inlay work, and iron glaze. (more…)

Tokoi Sadaji 床井定司

1931-?malemashiko potteryFrom Mashiko. Started making ceramics in 1947. Studied under Sakuma Totaro and trained for 24 years. Set up independently in 1977. Makes tenmoku and yakishime pottery, focusing on ash glaze. Makes many tea utensils, jars, and flower vases. (more…)

Tokushige Eiichiro 徳重英一郎

1947-malemashiko potteryFrom Shizuoka Prefecture. Moved to Hachijo Island in 1950. Served in the Japan Self-Defence Force and studied under Aoki Shokichi from Hachijo Pottery starting in 1970. Joined the Mashiko Tsukamoto Ceramics Manufacturing Center in 1972. Set up independently in 1976. Established a pottery in Mashiko in 1982. Focuses on solo exhibitions. (more…)

Tezuka Kiyoshi 手塚清

1938-malemashiko potteryFrom Tokyo. Graduated from Honjo Technical High School and studied mechanical engineering. Decided to pursue ceramics in 1972 and entered Mashiko. Studied under Koji Karashima. Set up independently in 1977. Has held solo exhibitions at G in Jonaizaka, Mashiko, and elsewhere. Focuses on hand-formed pottery and engraved text. (more…)

Saito Osamu 斎藤修

1952-malemashiko potteryBorn in Miyagi prefecture. Studied under Omiya Takato in Mashiko. Went independent in 1979. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Recipient of the Miyagi Prefectural Arts Festival Prefectural Governor’s Award, others. Held solo exhibitions at Maruei Sendai and Takashimaya Nihonbashi. Primarily focused on inlay, ash glaze, engraving, celadon and iron glazing. (more…)

Koyano Masao 小谷野雅雄

1946-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mibu, Shimotsuga-gun. Graduated from the Department of Applied Physics at Tokyo University of Science. After working as a high school teacher, joined the Mashiko Ceramics Mentoring Center in 1973. Later studied under Sakuma Totaro. Independently established Togabo in 1978. Along with making large jars, focused on tableware that could be used every day. Primarily used kneading and ash glaze. (more…)

Goto Shigeo 後藤茂夫

1950-malemashiko potteryBorn in Nasu-gun, Tochigi prefecture. Studied under Yasuda Takeshi. Went independent in 1972. Primarily made tableware through mixing cosmetic clay, candy glaze, iron glaze, and salt glaze in the kiln. Selected for the New Traditional Crafts Exhibition and Musashino Exhibition. Held solo exhibitions at Tobu Ikebukuro, Kappou Shitatsuzumi, others. (more…)

Kodaki Etsuro 小滝悦郎

1933- 1997malemashiko potteryBorn in Tokyo. Graduated from Chuo University. Built a kiln in 1958 in Kiyado, Mashiko Town. Later studied under Tamura Koichi, forming the Zoshikai with his teacher’s assistance and holding annual Zoshikai exhibitions at Takashimaya Nihonbashi. Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japan Ceramics Exhibition, others. Primarily focused on the use of different types of clay with iron glaze and ash glaze. Member of the Japan Kogei Association. (more…)

Kurosaki Kunitoshi 黒崎邦敏

1953-malemashiko potteryBorn in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. Joined Mashiko Ceramics Mentoring Center in 1974. Later worked at Hanawa Toen in Mashiko, where he built a kiln in 1976. Opened the Kawasaki Liaison Office. Selected for the Kawasaki City Exhibition, New Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Northern Kanto Art Exhibition, Japanese Ceramics Exhibition, and Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition. (more…)

Kubota Naofumi 窪田直文

1923 – 1997malemashiko potteryBorn in Kofu. Graduated from Waseda University. Began working in ceramics in 1972, going independent in 1974. Selected for the Ichimizukai Exhibition, Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition, others. Worked in Canada, USA and Mexico. Solo exhibitions at Kichijoji Tokyo, Matsuya Ginza, Sendai Fujisaki, others. Primarily worked with ash glaze, carbonization and yakishime (thermal shrinking). (more…)

Kimori Motohito 木森基人

1949 –malemashiko potteryBorn in Yamaguchi prefecture. Studied under Fujimoto Naomi. Later apprenticed in Mashiko. Went independent in 1981. (more…)

Okabe Norihiko 岡部仁彦

1946 –malemashiko potteryStudied under Narui Masanao. Graduated from the Prefectural Ceramic Instruction Institute. Became independent in 1974. (more…)

Okada Hiroyoshi 岡田宏義

1946 –malemashiko potteryFrom Yokohama. Studied at the Kofukai Painting Research Institute in 1967. Later trained at the Shinsui kiln in Fukuoka and studied under Tomoeda Katsuhiko in Mashiko. Started a kiln in the area in 1971 and became independent. Consecutively participated in the Marunokai at the Tokyo Central Museum. Works focus on tableware and flower bowls using Hai-yu ash glaze, inlay work, copper glazing, and Nukajiro-yu glaze. (more…)

Ogasawara Seiji 小笠原再二

1947 –malemashiko potteryStudied under Shiraishi Takashi. Selected for the Exhibition of New Works of Traditional Crafts, Tochigi Prefectural Art Festival Exhibition, Daisanbunmei Exhibition, Japan and China Modern Art Exhibition, Nitten Exhibition, and North Kanto Fine Art Exhibition and won awards. Held private exhibitions at the Mitsukoshi in Nihombashi, the Brubeck in Ashikaga, the Mingeien in Akasaka, the Tobu in Utsunomiya, the Seibu in Omiya, and other venues. (more…)

Otsuka Chuji 大塚忠治

1945-malemashiko potteryLearned design, molding, and glazing at the Nagoya National Institute of Technology for three years. Built a kiln independently in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture in 1971. Awarded at the Musashino Traditional Craft Exhibition and the New Work Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition. (more…)

Otsuka Kiyoharu 大塚清治

1951-malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. Entered the Tochigi Prefectural Pottery Training Institute in 1973. Studied under Mimura Zenzo. Built his own kiln in Mashiko in 1977. Held a solo exhibition at Shinbaba in Mashiko. Made vases, tea ceremony utensils, coffee cups and plates, and morinu (small cups and plates). (more…)

Otsuka Shigeo 大塚茂夫

1948-malemashiko potteryJoined Mashiko Tsukamoto Pottery. Built the kiln in 1978. Awarded the Crafts Division of the Kokugakai (Japan Folk Art Association), the Japan Mingeikan (Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition), and the Maeda Prize of the Kokugakai (Japan Ceramic Society). Solo exhibitions in Osaka Daimaru, Toyama Mingei no Hakata and other places in Japan His works are mainly decorative glazes, ash glazes, and iron glazes. (more…)

Ohtsuka Kenichi 大塚健一

1948-2016malemashiko potteryBorn in Mashiko. He studied under Sakuma Toutarou in 1966, and in 1973 he became independent in this area and built his own kiln. His work has been selected for the Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival and the New Traditional Craft Exhibition. He had a solo exhibition at Shibuya Seibu and other group exhibitions around the country. Made mainly neriage tableware. (more…)