Peter Hamann

Peter Hamann has been a resident of Japan for more than 30 years although he was born in Nebraska and first studied ceramics in the United States. Upon his arrival in Japan, he learned about ceramics and was introduced to chanoyu or the Japanese tea ceremony. After his diligent studies of tea in the Yabuuchi style with the master Fukuda Chikuyu, he obtained the license to teach chanoyu in 2010. At the annual tea ceremony he holds in his traditional Japanese-style residence in the Tanba region of Hyōgo where he also established his kiln, the artist welcomes more than 200 guests with tea and shows his own ceramic works. Thus his creation of ceramics is strongly connected to his tea ceremony practice; Hamann believes that the appreciation and respect for objects of quality that chanoyu teaches is an important aspect of Japanese culture. Hamann also believes in the practical utility of the vessels he creates.

The artist specializes in refined carved porcelain works. His own interpretation of the medium developed over time since his early encounters of his career as a ceramist. Hamann's recent works show that the bold curvilinear patterns of the works themselves have in turn affected and transformed the vessels’ shapes.

His works have been recognized at juried shows such as the Traditional Japanese Art Crafts exhibitions. In 1996 he joined the prestigious Japan Art Crafts Association and remains its only Western member.