This celadon (seiji) three-legged sake cup (guinomi) is created by Juitsu Kato (b. 1946), a ceramic artist who has achieved exceptionally high public acclaim in the Seto ceramic world, including winning the Grand Prix at the 1st Ceramic Biennale—with his winning work "Ennetsu" (Fierce Heat) designated for purchase and permanent preservation by Seto City—winning the Minister of Education Award at the Chunichi International Ceramic Arts Exhibition, donating his work "Yuibi" (Exquisite Beauty) to the Nagoya City Guest House, and being active as an Associate Member of Nitten. Having completed specialized ceramic education and firing theory at Aichi Prefectural Seto Ceramic High School and Tokai Gakuen, Mr. Kato established Dosen Kiln in Kawakita-cho as his base, developing his own unique style that sophisticatedly fused the traditional techniques of Old Seto with modern three-dimensional sculpture. On the lid of the accompanying dedicated paulownia wooden box (tomobako), the handwritten calligraphy reads "Celadon Sake Cup" (Seiji Guinomi), accompanied by the signature seal "Juitsu" and square seal stamps reading "Dosen Kiln" and "Juitsu." Applying the dynamic, sculptural formal expression seen in his Grand Prix-winning work to the compact form of a sake vessel, it is identified as an authentic piece produced between the late 1980s and early 1990s (late Showa to early Heisei era), a period when his techniques of facet-carving and carving out three legs reached full maturity.
Analyzing the design details of this piece confirms that the contrast between stillness and motion, a hallmark of Mr. Kato's sculptural aesthetic, is masterfully expressed. From the upper portion of the body into the interior bowl, a clear, pale blue-green celadon glaze is applied, with a delicate web-like network of craze marks (kannyu) carved across the entire surface. Where the glaze pools at the lower body, its increased thickness produces a deep turquoise green coloration reminiscent of fine jade, bestowing beautiful transparency and light refraction upon the bottom of the interior bowl as well. On the other hand, from the base to the legs, no celadon glaze is applied, exposing the iron-bearing, unglazed high-fired red clay (vermilion clay tone). The sides of the body are sharply faceted into a polygonal form, and the lower section is forcefully carved out into three legs, creating a vivid contrast between the serene, glassy celadon above and the rustic, dynamic red clay sculpture below. It is a masterpiece condensing advanced forming techniques that realize asymmetric distortion and plane-shaving as beauty, alongside precise control over the melting and color development of the celadon glaze.
With substantial yet comfortable dimensions measuring approx. 6.0 cm in height, approx. 6.1 cm in width, and approx. 5.8 cm in depth that rest comfortably in the hand, our shop proposes this work as a dignified "Japanese-style shot glass (Japanese liquor vessel)" for enjoying aged spirits, vintage whiskey, matured sake, or premium liquors neat straight, tailored to modern refined lifestyles and drinking culture. The stable form supported by three legs and the visual effect of amber-toned aged liquor filled in the bowl shining beautifully through the celadon glaze's craze marks create a special atmosphere for evening drinks. A masterpiece in which the highest technology and sculptural power of Seto contemporary ceramics coalesce, this piece allows one to relish the true essence of traditional Japanese craft through both visual appreciation and practical use.
- Artist: Juitsu Kato (b. 1946)
- Artist's Representative Career Highlights: Graduated from Aichi Prefectural Seto Ceramic High School and Tokai Gakuen. Won the Grand Prix at the 1st Ceramic Biennale (work "Ennetsu" purchased and designated for permanent preservation by Seto City), won the Minister of Education Award at the Chunichi International Ceramic Arts Exhibition, donated work to Nagoya City Guest House ("Yuibi"), Nitten Associate Member, member of Japan New Craft Artists Association, member of Seto Ceramic Artists Association.
- Production Period: Late 1980s–early 1990s (late Showa to early Heisei era)
- Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated paulownia wooden box (Tomobako with handwritten calligraphy "Celadon Sake Cup", signature seal, and seal stamps), yellow wrapping cloth (with seal stamp)
- Material: Ceramic / Pottery (Red clay body, celadon glaze)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 6.0 cm, Width approx. 6.1 cm, Depth approx. 5.8 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.
