Born in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture in 1927 and passed away in 2001, this refined cylindrical tea bowl is created by Sho Kato, a master representing the Seto ceramic realm. After graduating from the prestigious Aichi Prefectural Seto Ceramic High School in 1944, Sho Kato fused Seto's advanced traditional techniques with scientific glaze theory, establishing a new sculptural beauty of modern craft that transcended the framework of traditional tea ceramics. Starting with Special Selection awards at Nitten in 1962 and 1964, his works were purchased by The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; he also led post-war Japanese ceramics by holding key positions such as Nitten judge and Vice President of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association. His works are housed in institutions such as the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Seto City Art Museum, and Setogura Museum. Our shop presents this creation, in which Seto's long tradition and modern sculptural consciousness crystalize, to the global market not only as a tea utensil for enjoying traditional tea ceremonies, but also as a vintage rocks glass (a Japanese free cup) for quietly savoring aged sake or matured whisky enveloped in rich depth and amber radiance over time with large ice cubes.
This work features a design in which the daisai (clay slip coloring) technique—Sho Kato's specialty which earned high acclaim—and the application of traditional Oribe glaze and ash glaze draw a splendid contrast. On the surface of the dignified cylindrical form measuring approximately 8.0 cm in height and 7.5 cm in mouth diameter, smooth horizontal ridges (wheel rings) left during wheel-throwing are carved, bringing a comfortable tactile sensation when held in the hand. The upper half of the vessel displays a delicate gradation from yellow-ochre to dark brown that evokes the rustic warmth of clay, while layer upon layer of pale emerald green and milky blue glazes are applied toward the lower half, constructing a landscape of poured glazes dripping toward the base. The powerful droplet sculpting where the glaze stays in wave-like formations, as well as the artist's own incised seal "Sho" carved on the black clay base inside the foot ring, demonstrate an achievement where calculated scientific glaze theory meets the vitality of clay.
Regarding the period of production, taking clues from the accompanying biography leaflet which records his achievements up to serving as a judge at the 6th Nitten Exhibition in Showa 49 (1974), as well as the absence of any records of official positions from the Showa 50s onward, it is identified as an authentic work created between 1974 and circa 1980, when he served as a Nitten judge and his artistic style reached completion. The vessel itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in both glaze coloration and texture. It arrives in complete condition, accompanied by its dedicated Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed in ink on the lid "Tsutsu-chawan" (Cylindrical Tea Bowl) with a red seal stamped by the artist, as well as a biography leaflet detailing his career.
- Artist：Sho Kato (1927–2001)
- Artist's Key Activities：1957 Selected for the 13th Nitten Exhibition for the first time, 1962 Received Special Selection at the 5th Nitten Exhibition, 1964 Received Special Selection at the 7th Nitten Exhibition and Minister of International Trade and Industry Award, 1968 Nitten entry purchased by The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, 1969 & 1974 Appointed Nitten Judge, 1970 Nitten entry "Soyo" purchased by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Works Housed In：The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum; Seto City Art Museum; Setogura Museum, etc.
- Works Housed In：Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Seto City Art Museum, Setogura Museum, etc.
- Period of Production：Circa 1974–1980
- Condition：Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories：Dedicated Tomobako, biography leaflet included
- Material：Ceramic (Oribe daisai clay-slip glaze, incised seal) Dimensions：Height approx. 8.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.5 cm
- Caution：All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
