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About Chiyoichi Shimizu

“A perfect ware should express its mass, yet it should feel light when held in the hands. I hope to create wares that incorporate the heritage of Japanese history and the tradition of Tanba, that is to say wares that possess the unique beauty, the subtle hues that one never tires of, that are accidentally produced in the kiln.

I am very content when I can express something of myself through the process. Take a flower vase, a tea ware or tableware; it is the flower, food or the user that brings out the true utility of that ware. It must be pleasing for the owner to use and loved for its utility, such is the nature of any true master piece ever produced. I endeavor to create something that will emotionally move the person who views or uses my work.” by Chiyoichi Shimizu, March 2002.

Chiyoichi SHIMIZU upholds the traditional craftsmanship of Tachikui pottery at Tanba-Tachikui. Tachikui pottery (also known as Tanba pottery) dates as far back as the late Heian to early Kamakura period (1180-1230), and is considered one of the 6 ancient pottery sites of Japan, along with the kilns of Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Bizen and Echizen. Generations of artisans including Chiyoichi have fallen in love with the clay and natural elements of Tanba. Today, the local artisans continue their 800 year old craft using traditional methods, clay, glazes and firing techniques inherited from generations of skilled master potters.

According to Chiyoichi, an artisan is a craftsman who creates “tools” made of clay. A tool is no good if it is only for viewing, but it must have perfection in its utility. Whether it be a flower vase, a serving plate, or a sake server, Chiyoichi maintains that his work must be appreciated by its user for its functionality as well as its comfortable fit in the hands. When you actually hold one of his works in your hand and take a sip, you will be pleasantly surprised by its snug fit and comfortable texture. This not only speaks for Chiyoichi’s skill at the potter’s wheel, but his attitude as a craftsman and his strong desire to create utensils that gives ever lasting pleasure to the owners.

Chiyoichi SHIMIZU maintains the unique glazing technique known as Tanba natural glaze and continues to transform clay of Tanba at his ascending kiln into fine works of art that will be appreciated by the generations yet to come.

1948 Born in Kami-Tachikui, Konda-cho, Shinoyama, Hyogo, Japan.
1969 Fires his first kiln at Tanba-Tachikui, one of the oldest kiln sites in Japan.
1971 Dedicated “Tanba Yaki Vase” to Meiji Shrine.
1974 Visited 6 European nations as a member of the Japanese Culture and Art Troop.
1978 Art exploration tour of U.S.A. and Canada.
1978 Invited to exhibit at Modern Craftsman Exhibition at Kyoto Museum
1982 Spent 2 months at Chong Rye Whang Ceramics Research Institution in Korea as visiting artist. (Chong Rye Whang is a Korean National Living Treasure.)
1983 Ceramics art tour of S.E. Asian nations.
1988 Opened Museum of Modern Craftsmen at 6 Oldest Kiln of Japan
1992 Individual Exhibition at an art gallery in Rockefeller Plaza, NY.
1992 Tanba Red Clay Yo-Hen Vase acquired by Brooklyn Museum.
1994 25th Year Anniversary Commemoration publication of Compilation of Works.