Murata Gen 村田 元 Japanese, 1904-1988
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Born in 1904 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Murata Gen grew up in a farming family and initially studied classical painting in Kyoto. His path changed after encountering Mashiko pottery in 1934, leading him to study under Hamada Shoji and eventually establish himself as a distinguished Mashiko potter.
He developed a refined command of traditional glazes such as nuka (rice-husk ash), kaki-yu (persimmon), and iron glazes, often applied in flowing, painterly patterns across his functional wares. Among these, the yunomi—a traditional Japanese teacup for everyday use—held particular significance, as it reflects the intimate relationship between object and daily life.
Influenced by his background in painting, Murata treated the surfaces of his vessels as expressive “canvases,” creating works that balance function with a strong sense of artistic individuality.