Hamadagama /Hamada Gama

Shoji Hamada, the founder of the Mingei movement, opened a kiln in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. As Shoji Hamada says, ``I found my way in Kyoto, started in England, studied in Okinawa, and grew up in Mashiko.'' The knowledge, sense, and techniques cultivated in each region have been incorporated into Mashiko's climate and materials to create original products. The company continues to lead Mashiko ware, which has developed to the point where it is said to be a major pottery production area. Currently, the second son, Shinsaku, and grandson, Tomoo, are running the kiln, and are producing products centered on traditional Hamadagama tableware.