26345 Living National Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka Salt Glazed Jomon Inlaid Guinomi

Height: 4.9 cm
Diameter: 7.6 cm

Born in Tokyo in 1919 as the eldest son of kumihimo (braiding) master Yonekichi Shimaoka, he graduated from the Ceramic Department of Tokyo Institute of Technology. After serving in the military and being repatriated, he became an apprentice to Shoji Hamada in Mashiko at the age of 27. Tatsuzo Shimaoka, who became independent at 35, created numerous works using his unique "Jomon Zogan" (Jomon inlay) technique within the folk craft (mingei) genre until his death at 88 in 2007.

It can be inferred that the idea for Tatsuzo's Jomon technique originated from his upbringing, as he initially used kumihimo braids made by his father, Yonekichi.

Characteristics of Salt Glaze
Salt glaze is a technique that creates a distinctive texture by introducing salt into the kiln during firing. While his master Shoji Hamada also left behind salt-glazed works, Tatsuzo Shimaoka's salt glaze is distinctly different from Hamada's, characterized by its refined and beautiful coloration.

A work created after he was designated a Living National Treasure, featuring Jomon inlay.