Shoji Hamada was one of the most influential potters of the 20th century. He was a Japanese artist who was based in Mashiko and invested in the local community there, using only locally sourced materials for all parts of his works. He perfected the art of ceramics, both on the level of function and beauty. I really like the piece above as it embodies these factors, with the utility of a bowl and the abstract expressionist pattern lending to the overall elegance and beauty of the bowl.

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