Yoji Kato (加藤陽児), Japanese (b. 1958)

An Ash Glazed Yunomi (灰釉湯呑)

Heisei (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019 – present)

About the work

A refined ash glazed yunomi by acclaimed Mino ceramic artist Yoji Kato, whose work is celebrated for its innovative interpretation of traditional Mino glazing techniques. Produced at Kanesō-gama (兼宗窯), this elegant tea cup demonstrates Kato's mastery of ash glaze, balancing contemporary artistry with centuries of ceramic tradition.

The vessel is robustly potted with gently rounded sides that taper gracefully towards a neatly finished foot, creating a comfortable form that sits naturally in the hand. A soft celadon-green ash glaze envelops the surface, enriched by subtle crackling and delicate tonal variations. The glaze is punctuated by a striking vertical stream of iron-red natural ash deposit flowing from the rim, while impressed circular motifs encircle the body, adding rhythmic texture and visual depth. The exposed iron-rich clay at the foot provides a warm contrast to the cool glaze, highlighting the careful balance between earth and fire achieved during the firing process.

The cup is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), cloth and documentation.

Dimensions

8.9cm(h) x 9.2cm(w) x 9cm(d)

Footnote

Yoji Kato (加藤陽児, b. 1958) is a distinguished ceramic artist from Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, and a leading contemporary exponent of Mino ware. A graduate of the Tajimi Technical High School Ceramics Programme, he has exhibited at the Nitten and Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition since the 1980s, receiving numerous awards including the Grand Prize at the Mino Ceramic Exhibition and the Grand Prize at the Mino Ceramic Shoroku Tea Bowl Exhibition. His works are held in the collections of the Gifu Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art and the Zibo China Ceramic Museum, and he has exhibited extensively throughout Japan, South Korea, and China. He is a former Vice Chairman of the Mino Ceramic Association and studied under the late Living National Treasure Kato Kozo (加藤孝造).