Shimizu Hōjō: The living tradition of Tokoname
In the heart of Tokoname, one of the six ancient major centers of Japanese ceramics, Shimizu Hōjō's work is part of a lineage of craftsmanship deeply rooted in tradition. Recognized as a traditional craftsman (dentō kōgeishi), a title officially awarded to masters with long experience and exceptional technical mastery in a region designated by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Shimizu Hōjō perpetuates ancestral know-how while asserting a personal vision of ceramics.
Beauty born of function
At the heart of his approach lies a fundamental idea: beauty is only fully revealed when an object perfectly fulfills its function. This philosophy guides his work at the potter's wheel, where each teapot is designed to complement everyday gestures. The pursuit of natural ergonomics, balanced forms, and tactile precision is rooted in a discreet aesthetic, where the object blends seamlessly into daily life while simultaneously adding a quiet depth. His creations favor traditional techniques passed down through generations in Tokoname, while incorporating personal touches in the decoration or finish, provided these never interfere with functionality. The result is pieces that transcend mere utility to become everyday companions.
Shudei clay: a rare and living material
Among his works are the plays in hon shudeiThis iron-rich red clay, typical of Tokoname, holds a special place. Once extracted in abundance but now rare, it is carefully preserved in the workshop thanks to reserves built up by the previous generation. Made from a single type of clay (tanmi), without the addition of pigments or mixtures, these pieces develop a deep vermilion red color after an oxidizing firing. Over time and with use, the surface acquires a subtle and lustrous patina, bearing witness to the dialogue between the object and its user. This gradual transformation embodies the Japanese spirit of the passage of time, where beauty intensifies with experience.
Yakishime: expressive simplicity
The Hōjō workshop also offers works in yakishime, made from an original blend of clays from the Tōkai region. Fired in reductionThey reveal natural light brown hues and a warm texture. The traces of the throwing process, deliberately preserved, form horizontal lines that evoke the hand of the craftsman and reinforce the human dimension of each piece.
Mogake: the imprint of the sea
Tokoname's proximity to the sea gave rise to a unique technique called mogakeThis technique involves wrapping seaweed around the ceramic before firing to create organic patterns. In some pieces, Hōjō also incorporates a sculpted shrimp-shaped handle, inspired by local marine life, thus evoking the region's rich natural and cultural heritage. The small shrimp symbolizes the moebius, a shrimp nestled among seaweed.
Ko-Hōjō: The Poetry of Inlaid Motifs (Zōgan)
His son, known as Ko-Hōjō, brought a narrative dimension to this tradition. His teapots are distinguished by motifs created using the Zōgan technique, an inlay method that delicately integrates designs into the clay surface to create a subtle contrast between form and material. Inspired by the surrounding nature—garden flowers, reflections on the sea, or landscapes observed daily—these motifs become a visual language charged with emotion. For Ko-Hōjō, decoration is a form of silent communication: a way to convey a feeling or a memory to the person holding the teapot.
A tradition in motion
Through their works, Shimizu Hōjō and Ko-Hōjō embody a living continuity between heritage and contemporary creation. Their teapots, crafted with patience and precision, invite us to rediscover the intimate relationship between humankind, materials, and the act of preparing tea. At Jugetsudo, these pieces naturally find their place, as an extension of Japanese tea culture where each object becomes a reflection of an art of living.
We present a selection of pieces by Mr. Shimizu, available in store and also online. line.