Another 'national treasure' of Japan is Tatsuo Shimoaka, who lives
and works in Mashiko, Japan, like Hamada. Shimaoka is most interested in
traditional inlay techniques in clay. Combining ancient Jomon rope impression
and the Korean sanggam (mishima) technique, Shimoaka's stoneware ceramics
show how traditional techniques can be changed and adapted by contemporary
potters. His pots are slab built and wheel thrown from the local stoneware
clay. At leatherhard, he rolls the surfaces with ropes to create the designs.
Next, a white slip is painted onto the pieces to fill the depressions created
by the rope. After a bit of drying, the pots are shaved smooth, revealing
the design. He uses natural ash glazes and fires in a chambered kiln.
Stoneware Plate with Mishima inlay, by Tatsuo Shimoaka, Mashiko, Japan, 1970
