Shoji Hamada

 Shoji Hamada was born in 1894 in Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from Tokyo Technical College in 1916 when he then enrolled at Kyoto Ceramics Research. He traveled all over in order to learn about different ceramic traditions. He has used the poured glaze technique, where he creates patterns by pouring glaze over a plate with a ladle. He also traveled to the US with Soetsu Yanagi to teach ceramic workshops. He received the Tochigi Prefecture Culture Award and Minister of Education Award for Art. He was then designated a Living National Treasure in 1955. He had many other accomplishments and was considered one of the most influential potters of the 20th century.