Biography
Growing up surrounded by potters and ceramic artists, including his father Uichi, Yasutaka Shimizu naturally found his way into a career in ceramics.
In 1971, he became Uichi's apprentice, receiving intensive training in wheel-throwing techniques. Over the years, he has created a distinctive body of work centred on the turtle motif, which has become a defining feature of his art.
1947 Born in Gojyozaka, Higashiyama, Kyoto.
1970 Graduates from the Department of History, Faculty of Letters, Ryukoku University.
1971 Begins apprenticeship under his father Uichi Shimizu.
1972 Selected for the 19th Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, and continues to be selected in subsequent years.
1973 Receives the Director of Kinki Prize at the 2nd Kinki Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition.
1977 Receives the Nikkei Encouragement Prize at the 6th Kinki Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition, and again for the next two consecutive years.
1981 Receives the Matsushita Prize at the 10th Kinki Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition.
1982 Exhibits as an honoured member at the Kinki Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition.
1994 Acquisition of Large Bowl with Turtle Motif in Navy Glaze, by Kyoto Prefecture.
1999 Acquisition of Jar with Turtle Motif in Iron Glaze, by the Embassy of France in Japan.
2000 Solo exhibition 'With Weel Throwing, the 30 years of Yasutaka Shimizu' at Nihonbashi - Mitsukoshi, Tokyo.
2005 Solo exhibition ‘35th Year of Pottery Practice’ at Takashimaya, Kyoto, Nagoya and Osaka.
2009 Receives the Director of Japan Kogei Society Prize at the 37th Japan Kogei Ceramic Exhibition.
2011 Certified as Holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture.
2013 Solo exhibition ‘Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture - Yasutaka Shimizu’ at Nihonbashi - Mitsukoshi, Tokyo.
2015 Solo exhibition ‘45th Year of Pottery Practice' at Abeno Harukas Kintetsu, Osaka.
Works
三彩扁壺
Flat Jar, Sancai Glaze
鉄釉刷目亀遊文大鉢
Large Plate with Turtle Motif and Brush Marks, Iron Glaze
鉄絵亀遊文掛分扁壺
Jar with Iron-painted Turtle Motif, Kakewake Glaze
鉄絵亀遊文掛分水指（漆蓋付き）
Iron-painted Turtle Motif Water Jar with Lid, Kakewake Glaze
鉄絵亀遊文掛分壺
Jar with Iron-painted Turtle Motif, Kakewake Glaze
鉄絵亀遊文茶盌
Tea Bowl with Iron-painted Turtle Motif
黄彩色絵亀遊文花瓶
Vase with Turtle Motif, Yellow Glaze
白地藍彩亀遊文扁壺
Jar with Dark Blue Turtle Motif, White Slip
鉄釉白掛分亀遊文扁壺
Jar with Turtle Motif, Iron and White Kakewake Glaze
掛分鉄絵亀遊文茶盌
Tea Bowl with Iron-painted Turtle Motif, Kakewake Glaze
鉄釉柿彩亀遊文花瓶
Vase with Persimmon-painted Turtle Motif, Iron Glaze
鉄釉柿彩茶盌
Tea Bowl with Persimmon-painted Pattern, Iron Glaze