Murata Gen (1904-1988) Vintage Mashiko ware tea cup #5258

width: approx. 9cm (3 35⁄64in)
height: approx. 9cm (3 35⁄64in)
weight: 284g (w/ box 453g)
writing: Setsugetsufuka (Winter Snow, Autumn Moon, Summer Storm, Spring Flowers)
origin: Japan

Murata Gen (1904-1988)
Born in 1904 in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Although originally an aspiring painter, he could not make a living as a painter, thus he came to Mashiko to rely on the renowned Shouji Hamada immediately after the war. He began training as a pupil to practice his ceramic skills in 1944, rose up to a place in Mashiko called Kitagoya, built a furnace and became independent in 1954. Murata transported his completed pottery on his bicycle-towed trailer to the streets of Mashiko for sale, but his life was so difficult that his wife devoted herself to support the family. Murata was also interested in tea ceremony, and the tea cups he made were considerably different from those made by Shouji Hamada. Deceased in 1988. Currently Hiroshi, his third son, has taken his place as his successor.

Accepted for the Modern Ceramic Art Exhibition

Accepted for the National Art Exhibition

Held a personal exhibition at Matsuya Ginza

A committee member of Sankikai's handicraft department

A committee member of Tochigi Prefecture Art Festival's handicraft department