Shimaoka Kei
島岡 桂
Shimaoka Kei (b. 1978) is a prominent Japanese ceramic artist based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. He is the grandson of Tatsuzō Shimaoka, a designated Living National Treasure, and has inherited the legacy of the renowned Shimaoka Kiln. Through adoption, Kei became the second-generation head of the Shimaoka Pottery Studio, continuing the family’s celebrated tradition of Mashiko ware.
Deeply influenced by his grandfather’s signature Jōmon-style rope-impressed pottery and his own evolving aesthetic sensibilities, Kei brings a modern perspective to the craft while honoring its rich heritage. His work is characterized by meticulous craftsmanship, understated elegance, and the use of traditional techniques such as salt glazing and rope impression, which reflect the essence of Mashiko ware.
Kei’s ceramics are widely recognized for their refined balance of form and texture, combining traditional elements with contemporary innovations. His dedication to preserving and advancing the Mashiko tradition has established him as a leading figure in Japanese ceramics. Through his artistry, Kei bridges the past and present, embodying the timeless beauty of Mashiko ware while crafting a path forward for its future.
Selected Exhibitions
Art Gallery, Hankyu Umeda Store, Osaka/ Hakuto Gallery, Tokyo/ Three Generations Exhibition at Gallery Tsukamoto, Mashiko
