Kato Toyohisa (加藤豊久), Japanese, b. 1962

A Shino Tokkuri (志野 徳利)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

This Shino tokkuri by Kato Toyohisa(加藤豊久), who later adopted the name 土代久is a compact yet richly expressive vessel that captures the visceral character of Shino ware in small scale form. The body is generously rounded with a gently constricted shoulder rising to a short, flared neck. Subtle asymmetries in the silhouette and rim reveal its hand built origins, lending the piece a quiet vitality and an organic sense of movement.

The surface is enveloped in a thick feldspathic Shino glaze, applied with deliberate excess and fired to dramatic effect. Milky white glaze flows unevenly across the form, breaking to reveal deep iron red and burnt orange tones beneath. Crawling, pinholing, and fissured textures animate the surface, while iron rich lines trace through the glaze in irregular paths, creating a dynamic interplay between opacity and exposure. Darkened scorch marks and areas of pooled glaze testify to the intensity of the firing and the artist’s command of kiln effects. The base displays concentric fire marks and glaze movement that further emphasize the physicality of the process.

It is accompanied by its original wooden storage box signed and sealed by the artist, along with the original cloth and a biographical leaflet, confirming authenticity and careful preservation.

Dimensions

13.7cm(h) x 10.8cm(w) x 10.5cm(d)

Footnote

Kato Toyohisa (加藤豊久), who later adopted the name 土代久, is a distinguished ceramic artist celebrated for his innovative approach to Mino ware, especially Shino ceramics. He merges traditional techniques with a contemporary style, enhancing the classic aesthetic. Recognized early in his career, Kato received the Rising Star Award at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition in 1983, along with accolades from the Tajimi City Art Exhibition and other major ceramic exhibitions.