Black Fertility Vessel with Cast Elements Marsh studied at Shimaoka Pottery with Tatsuzo Shimaoka whom Japan named a Living National Treasure in 1996 (see lot 4). From 1978 to 1981 Marsh worked for Shimaoka as a student and apprentice. However when it came to his own vision he did not follow the Japanese style. Rather he made his vessels more open and carefully placing slip-cast elements of nature in their interiors. Marsh is currently the chair of ceramics, California State University in Long Beach and is exhibited in the USA as well as internationally.