Kozo Kato (加藤孝造), Japanese (1935-2023)

A Shino Yunomi Tea Cup (志野湯呑)

Showa Era (1926-1989), Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019-present)

About the work

A refined Shino yunomi by Kozo Kato, designated Living National Treasure and revered for his mastery of Mino traditions. This tea cup exemplifies his signature approach—an elegant balance between simplicity and expressive surface.

The cylindrical form is subtly faceted with vertical finger marks from throwing, giving it a quiet rhythm. The surface is coated in a soft, peach-hued feldspar Shino glaze, with mineral blushes and fly-ash speckling from the wood firing process. Small areas of crawling and silvery carbon trapping enrich the visual texture, evoking snow over red clay, while natural irregularities around the lip and foot reflect Kato’s reverence for form shaped by fire.

The cup is signed on the base and housed in its original tomobako (signed wooden box), along with a certificate and protective cloth—affirming its authenticity and collector’s value.

Dimensions

8.7cm(h) x 7.9cm(w)

Footnote

Born in 1935 in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, Kozo Kato was a key figure in the lineage of Mino ceramics. As a third-generation successor of the Mino tradition, he carried forward the legacy established by first-generation master Toyozo Arakawa. Kato served as president, honorary president, and advisor of the Mino Ceramic Society and was honored as a citizen of merit in Mizunami, Tajimi, and Kani.