Shoji Hamada

 Shoji Hamada was a Japanese potter who lived from December 1894 to January 1978. He had a large impact on studio pottery of the twentieth century, and he established the Japanese town of Mashiko as a renowned pottery center. His ceramics have simple designs that convey an elegant beauty. He worked with another ceramicist named Bernard Leach. His studio only used locally sourced clay, and in the video it stated that he made his brushes out of the fur or his pet Akitas. In Japan he is declared a "Living National Treasure". Shoji's works are in the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The video on Shoji Hamada really showcased his love for his work. He spends much time and puts lots of detail into his work. I like how he has his whole family join in on the ceramic process. His pieces should sell for over 10,000 dollars a piece, but he wants everyone to be able to enjoy his work so he prices it at affordable prices for everyone. My favorite piece of his was the large water bowl with black glaze and finger wave details inside.