Square Bottle
Artist
Shimaoka Tatsuzo
(born 1919)
Dateabout 1965
Mediumstoneware with decoration of medallions and slip-inlaid pressed-cord patterns under a semi-transparent glaze
Dimensions22.7 x 10 x 10 cm (8 15/16 x 3 15/16 x 3 15/16 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Sam Takeuchi
Object number2004.138
Label TextShimaoka apprenticed under the famous folk-art potter Hamada Shoji, working in Mashiko, Japan, and, after having matured as a potter he established his own kiln in 1954. In 1996 Shimaoka was designated a National Living Treasure by the Japanese government for developing the Jomon zogan technique, exemplified by the decoration on this bottle. The technique involves the application of a white slip onto subtle rope patterns impressed into the wet clay of the pottery surfaces. Shimaoka's works were inspired by Korean Yi Dynasty pottery, ancient Japanese Jomon pottery and the use of braided ropes made by his father, a silk-cord artisan.
Following Hamada's example, Shimaoka often uses molds to handpress his bottle forms. In the spirit of folk art, Shimaoka's works are functional objects of natural beauty, characterized by subdued, warm and harmonious colors.On View
On view
Chinese
11th or 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Chinese
11th or 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
12th or early 13th century, Jin dynasty (1115–1234)
Chinese
Kangxi Period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
