Shibata Ryozo is a contemporary ceramicist primarily active in Kyoto.
After conducting extensive research on the underglaze painting technique of the Jingdezhen kilns of the Ming Dynasty in China during his studies, he sought to develop his own style and perfected a unique technique called "zogan sometsuke" (inlaid underglaze painting).
The inlay lines, much sharper and more refined than those drawn with a brush, are combined with soft colors obtained from Japanese paper, creating transparent and deep works, rich in expression.