Shoju Hamada (1894-1978), Stoneware Hexagonal Vase with Signed Display Box (c.1960) Japan

Shoji Hamada Hexagonal Stoneware Vase

A studio pottery stoneware vase by Shoji Hamada (1894-1978), of hexagonal form with a hand-painted foliate motif. The vase measures 19.5cm high and is accompanied by its original signed wooden presentation box.

Hamada was one of the most important figures in twentieth-century studio pottery and a central figure in the Japanese Mingei movement, which sought to recognise the beauty and importance of traditional, utilitarian craft. After studying ceramics at Tokyo Technical College, Hamada met British potter Bernard Leach and travelled with him to England in 1920, helping to establish the Leach Pottery in St Ives. 

Returning to Japan, Hamada settled in the pottery town of Mashiko, where his work became closely associated with locally sourced materials, traditional firing techniques and decoration applied with an intentionally direct, spontaneous hand.

In 1955 Hamada was designated a Living National Treasure by the Japanese government in recognition of his contribution to ceramics.

Dimensions: H 19.5cm

Condition: Excellent condition. No damage to vase. Wooden box has no chip and ribbon with no tears.  Please refer to photographs for full details.

Provenance: With signed wooden presentation box.