As a potter from Cornwall with an interest in the Leach tradition, visiting Shoji Hamada’s magnificent thatched house in Mashiko was always going to be a highlight of my trip.
After moving back to Japan from St Ives in 1923, Hamada dedicated his life to making pottery while influencing other craftsmen to work alongside him in promoting the Mingei philosophy. In 1924, he established his studio in Mashiko and committed to the use of locally sourced materials and tools including clays, glazes, and brushes. In turn, this small pottery town, became a centre of Japanese folk crafts.
Hamada’s house, now forms part of the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, but was originally built in the town Ichikai in the late Edo period. It was purchased by Shoji Hamada - who deeply appreciated traditional buildings - and rebuilt in Mashiko. The earthen floor was reconstructed and initially used as one of his earliest potteries. Later, the house was used not only as Hamada’s residence, but also as a place for hosting cultural exchanges with visitors from around the world.
It was fascinating to wander around the house and imagine it full of lively conversation and craftspeople. It was very quiet when we were there but the climbing kiln outside pointed to a time of prolific making and community. I found the whole museum a great opportunity to reflect on Hamada’s influence on pottery and what it means to be a true advocate of craftsmanship.