Shoji Hamada (1894-1978)

Shinsaku Hamada (b. 1929)

Tomoo Hamada (b. 1967)

it is worth reflecting on the Mingei—or “art of the people”—movement, co-founded by Shoji Hamada (with Soetsu Yanagi and Kawai Kanjiro) to recognize and preserve the art of the “Unknown Craftsman” (the name of Yanagi’s book on the Japanese insight into beauty). The movement began in Japan but eventually had proponents around the globe.

Shoji was immensely committed to creating art that combined function and form, of following the principle of Yo no bi—or “the beauty of use.” Function and form were wed so that a person’s daily utensils quietly enriched their life. Holding a work by him, or any of these consummate artists, communicates their gentle presence and offers human comfort through the privilege of beauty. What a supreme gift that requires attentiveness, and ultimately gratitude.

Shoji’s genius as a maker and decorator inspired not only his son, Shinsaku, who is still working at age 94, and his grandson, Tomoo, who is fully engaged at 54, but generations of clay artists.

Throughout the years, we have assembled a superior collection of nearly 50 works by Shoji, who was designated A Living National Treasure in 1955. See the e-catalogue to view all these works (along with new work by Shinsaku and Tomoo), and of course, please visit and hold them.

Old and new—each preserves and presents an invitation to behold Beauty.