Grandson of Hamada Shoji, and son of Hamada Shinsaku, Tomoo learnt his craft from infancy, spending time in the studio of his father and grandfather. Despite the dominance Hamada Shoji has had on the type of ceramics produced at Mashiko, Tomoo has developed a personal style whilst maintaining the traditional techniques of Mashiko ware and has been established as an independent potter since 1994.
Speaking of his place in this important family he is quoted:
'Comparing my family to mountains, there is a mountain called Shoji in the Hamada mountains. There is also a mountain called Shinsaku and I am creating a mountain called Tomoo near Shinsaku. They are all in the same [mountain range] so they influence each other.' - Referenced in essay by Phil Rogers, 'Related Voices. Hamada: Three Generations', Pucker Gallery Boston exhibition catalogue, 2011.
Artwork
