Tatsuzo Shimaoka Living National Treasure Jomon-zogan Inlaid Teacup with Box

An inlaid teacup (yunomi) by Tatsuzo Shimaoka, decorated with his signature rope-pattern slip inlay. The piece is made of ceramic and comes with its original wooden box (tomobako).

Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919-2007) was a Japanese ceramic artist based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, known as a leading figure of the Mashiko-yaki pottery tradition. Born in Tokyo to a family of cord-braiders, he studied ceramics at Tokyo Institute of Technology and later apprenticed under Shoji Hamada, the renowned potter who helped revive Mashiko ware. Shimaoka developed a distinctive technique called Jomon-zogan (rope-pattern inlay), combining rope-impressed decoration inspired by Jomon-period pottery with Korean-style slip inlay (mishima/zogan) techniques. His work earned wide acclaim domestically and internationally, and in 1996 he was designated a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) for Mingei (folk craft) pottery. He was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 1999.

Dimensions: H approx. 10.3 cm x W approx. 9 cm x D approx. 9 cm

Includes: Original wooden box (tomobako)

Condition: A stored item with minor scratches and light soiling on the surface; no chips or cracks. The storage box and bag show some soiling.

Please refer to the photos for the item's current appearance and condition.