The myriad copies of his forms not only attest to Hamada's influence but also emphasise just what a master of proportion he was for there is a balance in his work and a harmony of form and decoration that sets his work apart.
Hamada Shoji was a famed potter who was among the first four potters in Japan to be designated Living National Treasures in 1955. He was designated for the preservation of mingei ceramics. Hamada needs little introduction as he, and Kawai Kanjiro, became the prime exponents of the mingei tradition that has been both popular and influential inside and outside Japan. Indeed, it is hard to look at post-1945 ceramics without seeing the influence they exerted. Nonetheless Hamada's work remains significant and he is the true master of form and decoration. The myriad copies of his forms not only attest to his influence but also emphasise just what a master of proportion he was for there is a balance in his work and a harmony of form and decoration that sets his work apart.
Today, Hamada Shoji is recognized as one of the most important figures in the history of Japanese ceramics. His work is widely admired for its beauty, simplicity, and respect for traditional forms. For his contribution to the international pottery scene, he was awarded the title of a Living National Treasure. Hamada's legacy continues to inspire potters and craftsmen around the world.