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

An Aka Shino Yunomi (赤志野湯呑)

Heisei Era (1989-2019)    

About the work

A striking Aka Shino tea cup by Kato Toyohisa, characterised by a robust, irregularly formed body and a richly varied Shino surface. The vessel has a gently swelling lower body, subtly faceted walls and an uneven rim, giving it a strong sense of hand forming and individuality.

The surface combines warm iron red and reddish brown with areas of thick milky white Shino glaze. During firing, the glaze has contracted and broken across the surface to create a pronounced network of fissured and crawling textures. The upper section is dominated by warm red tones divided by irregular passages of white, while the lower body develops broader areas of creamy glaze over the reddish ground.

A darker horizontal band encircles part of the vessel, providing a strong visual contrast with the more freely developed firing effects above and below. The interior continues the red and white palette, while the underside bears the artist's mark.

The yunomi is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako together with the artist's cloth.

Dimensions

10.5cm(h) x 9cm(w) x 8cm(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.