Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919–2007) was a ceramic artist born in Tokyo who was based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. After studying ceramics at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, he studied under Shoji Hamada and developed his own distinctive style based on the clay of Mashiko and traditional techniques. He is particularly renowned for establishing the ‘Jōmon inlay’ technique, in which patterns are imprinted onto the surface of a vessel by pressing rope against it, and white clay is then inlaid into these patterns. Whilst upholding the spirit of the Mingei movement, he incorporated contemporary forms and decoration into functional vessels, and in 1996 he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure).

When viewing Tatsuzo Shimaoka’s works, one senses the soothing rhythm of the Jomon patterns, carved in a regular pattern, amidst the raw power of the clay. The inlaid white patterns are not mere decoration; they flow along the contours of the vessel, lending the surface a unique sense of depth. To me, his works appear to be both rustic folk pottery and highly calculated, contemporary designs. I believe the unique charm of Tatsuzo Shimaoka lies in the way he naturally reconciles the approachability of everyday objects with the tension inherent in works of art.