tatsuzo Shimaoka

Tatsuzo Shimaoka (pronounced TAT-soo-zo Shi-MAH-oh-kah) was born in Tokyo in 1919.  He lived in Mashiko, Japan, a town well known for its pottery traditions. He originally studied pottery at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and then apprenticed to Shoji Hamada before starting his own kiln and complex next door in 1953. His signature technique of jomon zogon (rope impressed inlay) earned him the honor of Japanese Living National Treasure in 1996. Shimaoka has also influenced many potters starting their careers. As he apprenticed to Hamada, Ken Matszuaki and Noriyasu Tsuchiya apprenticed to Shimaoka, continuing the tradition of potter and apprentice.

Shimaoka's work can be found in some of the most notable museums worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.