Shoji Hamada

Shoji Hamada was a central figure in the Japanese mingei (folk craft) movement and one of the most influential potters of the twentieth century. Born in Kanagawa, he studied ceramics at the Tokyo Institute of Technology before travelling to England to work with Bernard Leach at the Leach Pottery in St Ives.

After returning to Japan in 1924 he established his kiln in Mashiko, where he spent the remainder of his career. Hamada’s pottery emphasised the beauty of everyday vessels, drawing on traditional forms, wood firing and natural glazes that responded directly to the materials of clay and ash.

Through exhibitions, teaching and international travel he played a key role in introducing Japanese ceramics to Western audiences. In 1955 he was designated a Living National Treasure.