Shoji Hamada A Potter's Way Work Author:Susan Peterson Shoji Hamada, along with Bernard Leach, was one of the key figures in the development of studio pottery in the 20th century, resurrecting the craft after its near demise during the Industrial Revolution. His influence both in England and the U.S. as well as in his native Japan cannot be underestimated. The Japanese government designated him a ... more »"Living National Treasure" in 1955 and awarded him the Order of Culture in 1968. The book is inspirational to any person seeking to set off on a career as a studio potter. The book is inspirational to any person currently working as a potter or seeking to set off on a studio career. Susan Peterson is a potter who taught ceramics at the University of Southern California and the University of New York. She is the author of several books on pottery and ceramics and her 54-part television series, 'Wheels, Kilns, and Clay' was aired by both CBS and PBS.« less