Inheriting the bloodline of master potters tracing back to Kagemasa Kato (Toshiro), considered the founder of Seto ware, the Teiyo Kiln in Akazu-cho, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, mastered the study of ancient ceramics and traditional techniques unique to Seto. This Kiseto sake cup (guinomi) is a work by master Second-Generation Shuntei Kato (1927–1995, artist name: Shunrin), who received extremely strict transmission of techniques from First-Generation Shuntei Kato and succeeded to the name in 1961 (Showa 36). Second-Generation Shuntei boasted outstanding skill in Seto tea ceramics such as traditional Kiseto, Hikidashi-guro (Seto-guro), Shino, and Oribe, winning the First Aichi Prefecture Arts & Culture Award. Furthermore, his representative work "Old Seto Bowl" was selected for permanent preservation by Seto City, and his works were acquired by the National Crafts Museum of Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art, earning him the highest acclaim in the contemporary Seto ceramic world. On the front of the lid of the accompanying dedicated paulownia wooden box (tomobako), the handwritten calligraphy reads "Kiseto Guinomi," and on the reverse side, "Shuntei" along with his signature seal. Produced after his succession as the second generation in 1961, during his mature period from the 1970s to the 1980s (Showa 40s to 50s) when he actively demonstrated his skills at solo and public exhibitions as a regular member of the Japan Kougei Association, it is deduced to be an authentic work.
Examining the design of this piece, a yellow oil-like Kiseto glaze (ash glaze) with a moist, oil-film-like luster that perfectly follows the traditional aesthetics of Azuchi-Momoyama period Old Kiseto covers the entire body. On the front surface of the vessel, a deep green splash of "Tanpan" (copper-green glaze), the greatest highlight of Kiseto ware, is dynamically applied, creating a magnificent contrast between the pale yellow ground and the vivid green glaze. The form is not a perfect circle, but is shaped into a charming rounded square (four-cornered) form with gentle distortion through hand-kneading and facet-cutting techniques, while the fine craze marks (kannyu) and scorched marks over the body impart a profound depth reminiscent of ancient ceramics. The interior bottom (mikomi) of the vessel is covered with a softly lustrous ash glaze, while the area near and inside the foot ring reveals rustic, unglazed clay (rotai), with a round seal stamp of "Tei" (鼎), the mark of Teiyo Kiln, clearly impressed beside the foot ring.
Measuring approx. 5.8 cm by 5.8 cm and approx. 4.5 cm in height, an exquisite dimension that fits comfortably in the palm along with a pleasant thickness, our shop proposes this work as a dignified "Japanese-style shot glass (Japanese-style Western liquor vessel)" for slowly savoring aged spirits, premium whiskey, matured sake, or spirits straight neat, tailored to modern drinking culture and refined lifestyles. The warm texture unique to Kiseto and the green of the copper glaze beautifully enhance the amber color of poured whiskey or aged sake, bringing elegant and high-quality craft beauty to the table. Containing the skill and aesthetics of an artist represented in the collection of the National Crafts Museum, this masterpiece allows one to fully enjoy the true essence of traditional Japanese ceramics through both touch and sight.
- Artist: Second-Generation Shuntei Kato (1927–1995, Born name / artist name: Shunrin)
- Artist's Representative Career Highlights: Studied under First-Generation Shuntei Kato. Succeeded to the name Second-Generation Shuntei in 1961 and led the Teiyo Kiln. Won the First Aichi Prefecture Arts & Culture Award and received the Aichi Prefecture Educational and Cultural Merit Award. Served as a regular member of the Japan Kougei Association, judge for the Aichi Prefecture Art Exhibition, operating committee member of the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, and board member of the Seto Ceramic Art Association.
- Public Collections: National Crafts Museum of Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art, "Old Seto Bowl" selected for permanent preservation by Seto City (owned by Seto City), etc.
- Production Period: 1970s–1980s (Showa 40s–Showa 50s)
- Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated paulownia wooden box (Tomobako) included (with calligraphy "Kiseto Guinomi, Shuntei" and seal), wrapping cloth (with seal) included
- Material: Ceramics (Seto clay, Kiseto glaze, copper green glaze/Tanpan)
- Dimensions: Approx. 5.8 cm × 5.8 cm × Height approx. 4.5 cm
- Note: The items provided by our shop were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm the age-related changes before considering your purchase.
