Born in Kyoto in 1926, Shimizu Uichi studied under Living National Treasure Ishiguro Munemaro (1893-1968) before establishing his own kiln near Lake Biwa in 1970. Shimizu often referred to the style of Ishiguro recreating historical Chinese-style wares, especially those with iron-glaze for which he was appointed a Living National Treasure in 1985. He was also noted for his craquelure celadon glazed works a reference to the Guan and Ge crackle wares of the Song Dynasty. However, throughout his career Shimizu accomplished many technical and artistic achievements with glazes not limited to the Chinese style.