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

A Shino Yunomi (志野 湯呑)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

This Shino yunomi by Kato Toyohisa presents a restrained yet highly tactile interpretation of Shino ware, emphasizing subtle form and richly worked surface. The vessel is cylindrical with softly rounded shoulders and a slightly irregular rim, its quiet asymmetry revealing deliberate hand forming. The proportions are compact and balanced, designed to sit naturally in the hand while maintaining a composed visual weight.

The surface is coated in a thick feldspathic Shino glaze, pooling generously across the body. Milky white areas dominate, broken by iron rich red and burnt umber patches that emerge through crawling and fissuring in the glaze. Fine pinholing and scattered fire marks animate the surface, while darker iron blushes appear where the glaze thins or breaks, creating a layered depth that shifts with changing light. The foot reveals swirling kiln marks and iron coloration, underscoring the intensity of the firing and the material honesty of the work.

It is accompanied by its original wooden storage box signed and sealed by the artist, together with the original cloth and a descriptive leaflet, confirming authenticity and careful preservation.

Dimensions

9.4cm(h) x 8.3cm(w) x 8.4cm(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.