Shinman Yamada’s world: Avant-garde coloring and brushwork

Yuntanza Gama potter: Shinman Yamada

Shinman Yamada, one of the Yuntanza Gama group of artists who established the Yuntanza Noborigama (step kiln), has since produced a number of exceptional works there. Characterized by strong expressions embodied in vivid colors and dynamic brush strokes, his signature style is described as “a dynamic world of imagination.” Merging tradition with innovative modern themes, his highly artistic pieces have won high acclaim both at home and abroad. Combining red, which is used in traditional pottery, with other colors such as green and yellow, his pieces also have a uniqueness that represents “Shinman’s world,” and much of his work has been featured in exhibitions at a variety of overseas locations including San Antonio, Texas, New York City, Stockholm and Washington State. Visit Yamada’s gallery at his home in Yomitan to enjoy a collection of his works in a relaxed atmosphere.

Even the red brushwork typical of Tsuboya-yaki turns into a modern piece of ceramics as a result of Yamada’s artistry. Pictured are two ochoko suitable for drinking good sake and a vessel for alcoholic beverages.

Yamada in front of the Yuntanza Noborigama. He says the matte feeling of his pieces can only be produced by firing them in this kiln.

The beauty resulting from a merging of luster and matte is characteristic of Yamada’s worldview.