Item Description This exceptional square flower vase (Shihō Kaseï) exemplifies the masterful artistry of Shimaoka Tatsuzo, a Living National Treasure designated in 1996 for his groundbreaking "Jomon Zogan" (rope-impressed inlay) technique. This piece represents the pinnacle of Mashiko ware tradition, combining ancient Japanese aesthetics with innovative craftsmanship. Shimaoka developed his signature Jomon Zogan technique by ingeniously merging two distinct artistic traditions: the rope patterns of ancient Jomon pottery and the inlay techniques of Joseon Dynasty Korea. Using silk cords braided by his father, a traditional kumihimo (braided cord) artisan, Shimaoka would roll these cords across the semi-dried clay surface, creating intricate rope impressions. These grooves were then filled with contrasting colored slip before the surface was carefully scraped back, revealing a striking pattern where the inlay remains in the impressed areas while the original clay shows through on the flat surfaces. The square form of this flower vase demonstrates Shimaoka's mastery of geometric design, a departure from traditional rounded vessels. The angular architecture provides multiple facets for displaying the mesmerizing Jomon patterns, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the textured surface. The piece showcases the characteristic earthy tones of Mashiko clay, enhanced by the artist's expert use of traditional glazes. Each side of this vase tells its own visual story through the rhythmic repetition of rope patterns, creating a meditative quality that embodies the mingei (folk craft) philosophy championed by Shimaoka's mentor, the legendary Hamada Shoji. The functional beauty of this piece reflects the mingei movement's core principle: that everyday objects should possess both practical utility and aesthetic merit. This flower vase comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and certificate (shiori), confirming its authenticity. The piece bears the artist's signature, providing indisputable provenance. Such documentation significantly enhances the value and collectibility of this work, particularly given Shimaoka's international recognition and the enduring popularity of his distinctive style. Size Height: 21.5 cm Width: 10 cm Depth: 8.5 cm Condition In good condition with some minor signs of age-appropriate wear consistent with vintage ceramic pieces. Artist Profile Shimaoka Tatsuzo (1919-2007) stands as one of the most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in the Japanese mingei movement. Born in Tokyo as the son of a kumihimo artisan, Shimaoka's destiny intertwined with pottery when he visited the Japan Folk Crafts Museum at age 19, where he was profoundly moved by the works of Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro. After graduating from Tokyo Institute of Technology's Department of Ceramics in 1941, Shimaoka's studies were interrupted by World War II. Upon his return from Burma in 1946, he immediately sought apprenticeship under Hamada Shoji in Mashiko, where he would spend his entire career. Under Hamada's guidance, Shimaoka learned the principles of mingei pottery, which emphasized the beauty of functional objects created by anonymous craftspeople. However, Hamada eventually encouraged Shimaoka to develop his own artistic voice, advising him to create works that bore his individual mark. This pivotal guidance led Shimaoka to develop the Jomon Zogan technique in the late 1950s and early 1960s. By combining childhood memories of his father's braided cords with his deep study of ancient Jomon pottery and Korean inlay techniques, Shimaoka created an entirely original decorative method that would become his artistic signature. Throughout his career, Shimaoka exhibited extensively both in Japan and internationally, conducting workshops and solo exhibitions across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. His contributions to ceramic arts earned him numerous accolades, including the Japan Folk Crafts Museum Prize (1962), the Japan Ceramic Society Gold Prize (1994), and most prestigiously, designation as a Living National Treasure for "Mingei Pottery (Jomon Zogan)" in 1996. He was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class in 1999, and became Tochigi Prefecture's first Honorary Citizen in 2002. Shimaoka continued creating until his final days, collapsing during preparation for an exhibition in November 2007. Even from his hospital bed, he meticulously directed the kiln firing and exhibition details. He passed away on December 11, 2007, on the final day of that exhibition, after learning it had been successful. Today, his legacy continues through his grandson and adopted heir, Shimaoka Katsura, who operates the Shimaoka kiln. Shimaoka's works are held in major museum collections worldwide and remain highly sought after by collectors of Japanese ceramics. His innovative Jomon Zogan technique has influenced generations of potters and secured his place as a master of modern Japanese NOITICE The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.