Kato Yoshiemon (加藤芳右衛門), Japanese (1932–2009)

An Aka-Oribe Small Tea Bowl (赤織部小服茶碗)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

A refined Aka-Oribe (red Oribe) small tea bowl by Kato Yoshiemon, exhibiting the earthy vibrancy and expressive charm emblematic of the Oribe tradition. Crafted from iron-rich clay, the vessel features spontaneous iron-oxide brushwork depicting abstract motifs across its gently distorted form. The rim is accented with flowing green copper glaze, which drips naturally over the reddish body, creating a vivid contrast that heightens its visual and tactile appeal.

Balancing rustic character with refined execution, this tea bowl embodies both the spontaneity and elegance central to tea ceremony aesthetics. It is signed on the base and comes in its original tomobako (wooden box), inscribed and sealed by the artist.

Dimensions

5.8cm(h) x 11.2cm(w) x 10.8cm(d)

Footnote

Kato Yoshiemon (加藤芳右衛門) was a distinguished ceramic artist from Gifu Prefecture, known for his masterful work in Mino ware (美濃焼). Born into a storied pottery lineage, he inherited the Yasaka Kiln (八坂窯) from his father, Kato Juemon—a master of Momoyama-style ceramics. Yoshiemon carried forward this tradition while developing his own aesthetic sensibility. He worked across a range of classical Mino styles, including Kizeto, Shino, Oribe, and Mino Iga.