Mashiko Curved Shioyaki Tea Bowl

Artist: Tomoo Hamada

Born in 1967 in Mashiko, Japan, Tomoo Hamada is a celebrated contemporary ceramic artist who continues the esteemed pottery lineage of the Hamada family. As the grandson of Shoji Hamada, a National Living Treasure and pioneer of the mingei (folk craft) movement, Tomoo grew up immersed in the rich traditions of Mashiko pottery. His work bridges the gap between heritage and modernity, creating pieces that honor the past while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

Created by third-generation Mashiko potter Tomoo Hamada, this bowl has a curved shape that fits evenly in your palm. The iconic and bold pigmented blue compliments neutral tone markings, achieved through the traditional shioyaki (salt-firing) technique. During firing, salt reacts with the clay, creating a unique, semi-matte glaze with unpredictable variations, ensuring each piece is one of a kind. 

As each piece can stick to the board inside the kiln when salt is used during firing, seashells are used to lift the work and make it more manoeuvrable. You can still see the imprints of the sea shells at the bottom of each piece, connecting its legacy to mashiko pottery. 

Tomoo Hamada’s style blends a deep reverence for traditional Japanese pottery with innovative elements, featuring natural ash, salt, and iron glazes that evoke Japan’s landscapes, and salt-firing techniques that create rustic textures with subtle colour variations. 

• Dimension: 15 cm W x 8 cm H
• Region: Mashiko
• Artist: Tomoo Hamada
• Technique: Shioyaki
• Care: Not suitable for Microwave and dishwasher safe for convenient use. Hand wash only. 

Available with a Japanese wooden box tied with a traditional ribbon.