Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919-2007), a designated Living National Treasure, was born in the heart of old Tokyo as the eldest son of a master Kumihimo (traditional braided cord) artist. After completing his specialized education at the Department of Ceramics at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, he became a disciple of Shoji Hamada, the giant of the Mingei (Folk Crafts) movement, in 1946. For over 20 years in Mashiko, he refined his craft. Hamada described Shimaoka as possessing profound inner confidence yet remaining consciously modest in his public presentations, highly praising his unwavering dedication to his personal aesthetic and technical focus.
The primary reason for Shimaoka's global acclaim is his original Jomon Inlay technique. This process involves rolling braided cords into semi-dry clay to impress rope patterns, then meticulously inlaying the depressions with contrasting colored slips before scraping away the excess to reveal the design. Remarkably, the cords used to create these patterns were silk heritage pieces belonging to his father, a renowned Kumihimo master. The exceptionally fine texture of these silk cords imbues the vessels with a refined rhythm and elegance that stands in stark contrast to the ruggedness of ancient Jomon pottery. Although inlaying is an ancient technique, flawlessly controlling the shrinkage of the clay and preventing the delicate patterns from blurring during the carving process requires extraordinary mastery. The impeccable beauty of the patterns in Shimaoka’s work is a testament to his immense concentration and precise engineering.
This set of inlaid cups is a masterpiece that lavishly incorporates both Jomon Inlay and the salt glaze (or soda glaze) technique that Shimaoka perfected in his final years. Salt glazing is an exceptional method where rock salt or soda ash is introduced directly into the kiln when temperatures peak at 1250 to 1300 degrees Celsius. The volatilized sodium reacts chemically with the silica in the clay, creating a signature orange-peel texture with a subtle, glassy luster. This process severely erodes the kiln itself, requiring a dedicated structure and the intuitive mastery of an expert to control the volatile color development.
The defining brilliance of this work lies in its band-like composition, which allows two difficult techniques to coexist harmoniously in a single vessel. The upper section evokes the ancient stillness of Jomon Inlay, while the lower section showcases a vibrant, modern emerald green born from the soda glaze reaction. While Shimaoka’s work is often characterized by the soft, hazy textures his mentor Hamada likened to tsumugi or kasuri textiles, this high-contrast design reflects the sophisticated, modern aesthetic Shimaoka reached through his extensive international exhibitions.
While originally crafted as Yunomi (teacups), we propose a new way to experience this masterpiece: as the ultimate stage for savoring rare, discontinued vintage whiskies that have captured decades of time. Aged whisky is often described as drinkable perfume, and the slightly tapered rim of these cups is perfectly designed to concentrate the rising aromatic particles, directing them straight to the senses. Picking up the vessel and drawing it near creates a luxurious sanctuary for appreciating the rich bouquet of the spirit.
The intricate texture of the Jomon Inlay at your fingertips and the smooth, salt-glazed surface against your lips provide a tactile pleasure that elevates the profound depth of aged spirits. This is the meeting of two arts: the art of earth perfected by Tatsuzo Shimaoka and the art of amber honed by the passage of time. When these two timelines converge, you are not merely drinking; you are engaging in a silent dialogue with the memories of a bygone era. Watching the colors born from the caprice of the flames while savoring a supreme vintage spirit is the ultimate luxury, reserved for those who truly appreciate the authentic.
- Artist: Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919-2007)
- Notable Achievements: 1962 Japan Folk Crafts Museum Award, 1980 Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Merit Award, 1994 Japan Ceramic Association Gold Prize, 1996 Designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property Jomon Inlay (Living National Treasure), 1999 Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
- Public Collections: Victoria and Albert Museum (London), British Museum (London), Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Brooklyn Museum (New York), Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (the spiritual home of Shoji Hamada and Soetsu Yanagi), Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts, and others.
- Production Period: Circa 1996 to early 2000s (estimated)
- Condition: Excellent (no chips or cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated wooden box, artist's pamphlet
- Material: Ceramic
- Dimensions: (Large) Height approx. 8.8 cm, diameter approx. 8.4 cm. (Small) Height approx. 7.8 cm, diameter approx. 7.5 cm.
- Please note: Even if the items are in unused condition, they are vintage pieces and are listed as second-hand. Please understand that items may show characteristics of aging, and we encourage you to review all details before purchase.
