Shoji Hamada

Shoji Hamada (1894–1978) is one of the towering figures of twentieth-century Japanese ceramics — a Living National Treasure and a champion of the Mingei (Folk Craft) movement, who made Mashiko one of the great centers of modern pottery.

His works unite powerful, straightforward forms with rich iron glazes and rhythmic decoration such as the nukie (resist-wiping) technique: rustic warmth, elemental strength, and the dignity of the everyday elevated to art.

wanova offers rare, carefully sourced pieces by Hamada, each accompanied by detailed condition photographs. Selected works can be viewed at our gallery in Roppongi, Tokyo (by appointment).

Mashiko Ware Nukie Shimamon HANAIRE ーJapanese Flower Vase

Regular price $267.00 USD

CHAWAN -Japanese Tea Bowl

GUINOMI -Japanese Sake Cup

Japanese Lacquerware & Urushi Art

KOGO -Japanese Incense Container

TOKKURI -Japanese Sake Bottle

HANAIRE -Japanese Flower Vase

KATAKUCHI -Japanese Spouted Pouring Bowl

MIZUSASHI -Japanese Water Pitcher

SAKAZUKI -Japanese Sake Cup

TSUBO - Japanese Ceramic Pot

YUNOMI - Japanese Tea Cup

Deep Dive to The Artist

Details of Shoji Hamada

1894 Born in Kanagawa / Co-founder of the Mingei movement with Soetsu Yanagi and Kanjiro Kawai / Designated Living National Treasure (Mingei ceramics) / Made Mashiko a world center of studio pottery / 1978 Died

Why This Artist Matters

Hamada changed what "good" pottery meant. Against refinement for its own sake, he argued that beauty lives in honest, usable objects — and proved it with a lifetime of work now held by museums worldwide. Owning a Hamada is owning a piece of that argument.

What to Look For

The brushwork and glaze pours are fast and unhesitating — that speed is the signature. Look for the depth of the iron glaze where it pools, and the confidence of the nukie wiping. Check the box and any inscriptions; provenance matters with Hamada.

HOW TO LIVE WITH THE WORK

Hamada made things to be used. A hanaire wants a single branch; a bowl wants food. Handle with care but without reverence — the glaze is robust, and the object was never meant to sit behind glass.

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