Ken Matsuzaki is a Japanese potter working from Mashiko who enjoys an international reputation. He was apprenticed to the late Tatsuzo Shimaoka (National Living Treasure) who in turn had been apprenticed to Shoji Hamada. Matsuzki's work can be seen in some of the world's most prestigious private collections.
This 45 minute film shows him throwing in his workshop and features unique footage of him firing his Anagama kiln, with the help of British potter Phil Rogers who commentates on the process. The film ends with Matsuzaki's 2007 major exhibition of pots at the Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, Rutland. You can visit us online at
To view latest work by Matsuzaki visit his goldmark website here:
You can buy a copy of this film on DVD for just £10 click here:
Biography – Ken Matsuzaki was born in 1950 in Tokyo. Growing up Matsuzaki's life was filled with art and culture and his family's influence began to show when, around the age of 16, Matsuzaki developed an interest in ceramics. In 1972, after graduating from Tamagawa University's College of Arts, he began a 3 year apprenticeship with (National Living Treasure) Tatsuzo Shimaoka.
Nearing the end of his apprenticeship Matsuzaki asked Shimaoka if he would consider extending it for another 2 years, whilst he learned to develop his own style, and began creating his own motifs and palette of glazes that he would use for the next 15 years. Today, Matsuzaki has exhibited widely in Japan, America and the UK and his work is held in major galleries worldwide.
What is Goldmark?
A family business started by Mike Goldmark, we've been selling art from the Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, UK for over 40 years and hold over 50,000 items in stock. Explore a wide range of the very best art and ceramics available to you through our website where you'll also find scholarship pages, books, online catalogues and even GoldmarkTV! Enjoy your visit here:
Thanks for uploading this. Amazing to watch. So glad that Ken bounced back after the earthquake. I look forward to the exhibition!
Very nice! Thanks for uploading!
I’d be hard put to pick a favorite out of these! So wonderful and a nicely done video!
Absolutely FANTASTIC!
That was amazing! Thanks for sharing!
one of the most interesting documentaries on youtube i saw in a long time! thanks for that!
Truly inspiring
900 pieces in that kiln he fired for 7 days & 7 nights! That’s intense! @13:53 Phil Rogers does a great job explaining how the reduction, especially when using charcoal, actually creates those amazing colors on the glazes.
And now this is how a documentary should be made! A few very informative comments and explanations here and there, no invasive background music. Respect thru silence. There’s no need to fill every frame of a film with voice and music. Let the images speak for themselves. Very nicely done.
Anita Sowell 64it was fun & enjoying to watch this Nashville Tenn. I dream up what I make I hand build my things 2022 from Clay Lady Studio thx God for her place.
Your pottery films are absolutely fantastic!
liar liar pants on fire
Amazing. I have watched 4 documentaries on your channel in the bast 24 hours! Best channel on You Tube. <3
Beautiful film, Goldmark.
A nice glimpse into a dedicated and no doubt successful Mashiko potter’s life. As a potter the money moment is the opening of the kiln. Good one!
I wish I could meet him in person to see his work of arts in person just beautiful breathtaking work. I love the rough raw look of his pottery so kool. I would love to have some for my tea collection.
I agree it’s a beautiful film! It’s a pity no one thought to interview Matsuzaki himself during the documentary. I would much rather hear Ken’s own words and read their translation than have that other fellow speak for Ken throughout the film.
two years late but there is another one more focused on hearing from Ken.
Thank you for beautifully authentic work Jennie
Absolutly amazing
Love these films!
I love Japan stoneware and ceramics ❤️
I absolutely love these documentaries on amazing potters/ artists. Thanks.
Glad you like them!