Kato Bakutai (加藤麥袋), Japanese (1861–1943)

A “Tsubaki-De” Style Tea Bowl (椿手茶碗) 

Showa Era (1926–1989)

About the work

This elegant tea bowl was created by Kato Bakutai, a distinguished ceramic artist known for his refined approach to traditional Mino glazes such as Shino and Oribe. Crafted in the “tsubaki-de” style, the piece displays a gentle olive-green glaze with expressive natural ash flows, iron accents, and hints of purple that emerge through the kiln firing process.

The bowl’s form is both balanced and expressive, with a full, rounded body and subtly indented lip that enhances its tactile presence. Wheel-thrown ridges encircle the surface, creating a quiet rhythm that complements the glaze’s organic variation. The interior reveals soft pooling of glaze, while the foot is stamped with Bakutai’s seal and retains unglazed areas bearing the marks of the kiln.

Dimensions

7.9cm(h) x 11.5cm(w)

Footnote

Kato Bakutai was an influential figure in the revival of traditional Seto ceramic techniques from the late Meiji to early Showa eras. Born in Seto in 1861, Bakutai studied under Kato Shuntai and mastered diverse ceramic styles, including Shino, Mishima, and Tenmoku. Throughout his extensive career, he significantly contributed to preserving the heritage of Seto ware, producing works notable for their refined simplicity and spiritual depth. His pieces, particularly those crafted late in his life, remain valued by collectors and tea practitioners for their mature elegance and historical resonance.