Hamada Shoji 濱田庄司 1894-1978

In the 1990s, I had the privilege of hunting Mingei pottery for the late Dr. John Driscoll. It was during this time that I encountered a large painted jar by Murata Gen. Driscoll encouraged and supported my interest in Murata, which fueled my ongoing search for the artist's work. Today, as we celebrate emerging artists in the Japanese ceramic scene, it's essential to recognize the pioneers who came before them—those hidden giants whose stories deserve to be told and heard. Murata Gen, a master of his art, is one such artist whose remarkable pieces make a valuable addition to any collection. Originally trained as a painter, Murata relocated from Tokyo to Mashiko, following in Hamada's footsteps. Notable artists such as Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Matsuzaki Ken, Hamada Shoji, Kimura Kitamura Koji, and others joined him. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Murata worked independently and signed his creations, believing himself to be an artist.

Learn about Japan's ceramic living national treasures: read the essay by Daniel McOwan, Japanese art specialist & curator. The essay was published on the occasion of our March exhibition "Intangible Heritage: The Art of Japan's Living National Treasures", coinciding with the annual celebration of asian art: Asia Week New York.

Preview the art historian & curator Daniel McOwan's essay on our Autumn 2022 exhibition catalog. "Tsubo: The Art of Contemporary Craft" gives an overview of the history of the jar category in Modern Japanese ceramics, while also exploring significant potters, artists, and figures who have propelled this formal category in the 20th and 21st centuries. Read the full essay on our Autumn 2022 catalogue online!

How does the Japanese craftsman and artist Murata Gen fit into the Mingei movement, philosophy, and aesthetic? In the 1950's Yanagi, Hamada and Kawai Kanjiro launched the Mingei movement where they were inspired by anonymous craftsmen. Yanagi validated Mashiko as a typical example of folk craft that embodies ‘innate Japaneseness’. From his experiences researching Western philosophical tenets and blending it with Japanese aesthetic philosophies, Yanagi constructed a “criterion of beauty” in Mingei, which included “the beauty of selflessness and anonymity.”

We are delighted to announce that the important collector of Japanese ceramics, and our friend Mr. Jeffrey Montgomery will be exhibiting his collection of over 250 Japanese folk crafts in ceramic, wood, fabric, and lacquer mediums. The upcoming exhibition in the Museo Delle Culture in Lugano will showcase pieces that have passed through Dai Ichi Arts in recent years.